World Hepatitis Day 2012

24 August 2012

Hepatitis is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B or C virus, which causes liver infection, vomiting, jaundice, and in rare cases, death. In the UK, substance users are in a higher risk group for contracting the disease, as the risks manifest through the use of shared needles, toxins and certain drugs, and so it is especially important that they are given advice and receive regular health checks.

WDP will be promoting World Hepatitis Day across all our services by providing our services users with information about hepatitis and encouraging them to get tested. Our teams will be putting up posters and also handing out information leaflets to all clients coming through our services, discussing the risks of hepatitis and providing advice.

1 in 12 people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B or C and the majority of them are unaware. That’s why World Hepatitis Day is so important. The event is organised by the World Hepatitis Alliance, which is run by hepatitis patients themselves, and celebrates their achievements in preventing new infections and improving health outcomes for those living with hepatitis B and C. Promotional materials, stalls and drop-in testing clinics are being set up across the UK.

Please read the rest of our article about World Hepatitis Day, which includes more information about hepatitis and a list of useful resources.

For more information on World Hepatitis Day, visit: http://www.worldhepatitisalliance.org/WorldHepatitisDay.aspx

For more information on hepatitis B and hepatitis C, visit: http://www.hepatitisinfo.co.uk and http://www.hepctrust.org.uk

< Back