Observed on 28 July, World Hepatitis Day draws attention to viral hepatitis \u2013 an inflammation of the liver that can cause serious liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer.<\/p>\n
The theme for 2026, \u201cHepatitis: Let\u2019s break it down,\u201d calls for the removal of the financial, social and health-system barriers that prevent people from accessing vaccination, testing, treatment and continuing care. The message is particularly relevant to shipping, where globally mobile workers may encounter varied health risks while also facing practical barriers to timely medical support.<\/p>\n
How World Hepatitis Day began<\/p>\n
The campaign grew from a community-led observance established by the World Hepatitis Alliance. The first community-led World Hepatitis Day was held in 2008, before the World Health Assembly adopted its first resolution on viral hepatitis in 2010. The first official WHO World Hepatitis Day followed in 2011.<\/p>\n
The date honours the birthday of Nobel laureate Dr Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus and helped develop a diagnostic test and vaccine against it. World Hepatitis Day now serves as an annual opportunity to strengthen awareness, prevention, diagnosis and treatment worldwide.<\/p>\n
The 2026 campaign stresses that the scientific tools required to eliminate viral hepatitis already exist. Vaccines can prevent hepatitis A and B, hepatitis C can usually be cured with direct-acting antiviral medicines, and long-term treatment for hepatitis B can reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Nevertheless, millions remain undiagnosed or untreated because of low awareness, stigma, unequal access and gaps in health systems.<\/p>\n
Hepatitis in figures<\/p>\n
The scale of the challenge remains substantial. WHO estimates that:<\/p>\n
287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024;
\n1.3 million people died from related cirrhosis and liver cancer;
\n240 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B, which caused approximately 1.1 million deaths;
\n47 million people had chronic hepatitis C, which caused around 239,000 deaths; and
\nonly 45% of babies worldwide received a hepatitis B vaccine dose within 24 hours of birth.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the same time, direct-acting antiviral medicines can cure more than 95% of people with hepatitis C, illustrating the continuing gap between available medical solutions and access to them.<\/p>\n
Why hepatitis matters at sea<\/p>\n
There are five main viral types \u2013 A, B, C, D and E \u2013 and they are not transmitted in the same way. Hepatitis A and E are mainly associated with contaminated food or water and inadequate sanitation. Hepatitis B and C are blood-borne, while hepatitis B may also be transmitted through sexual contact and other body fluids. Hepatitis D occurs only in people who also have hepatitis B.<\/p>\n
For seafarers, occupational mobility is an important consideration. Crews travel between regions with very different infection rates, sanitation standards, vaccination coverage and healthcare capacity.<\/p>\n
ITF Seafarers notes that international transport workers\u2019 working conditions can place them at increased risk of hepatitis B and highlights vaccination as an important preventive measure. Hepatitis A can also be relevant for people travelling to areas where safe water, food hygiene and sanitation are less reliable.<\/p>\n
Potential exposure can arise through contaminated food or water during port calls; contact with infected blood following an injury or first-aid response; inadequately sterilised medical, dental, tattoo or piercing equipment; and sharing personal items such as razors or toothbrushes. Incomplete vaccination, limited awareness and delayed access to shore-based care may further increase vulnerability.<\/p>\n
These risks do not mean that routine shipboard contact spreads hepatitis. Hepatitis B, for example, is not transmitted by hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing or sharing eating utensils. Clear communication about transmission is therefore essential both for prevention and for addressing unnecessary fear.<\/p>\n
Recognizing possible warning signs<\/p>\n
One of the greatest challenges is that viral hepatitis can remain silent. Many people with a new hepatitis B or C infection have no obvious symptoms, and chronic infection may only be detected after liver damage has developed.<\/p>\n
When symptoms occur, they may include unusual fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools and jaundice- the yellowing of the skin or eyes.<\/p>\n
At sea, these symptoms can easily be attributed to fatigue, diet, seasickness or another short-term illness. A seafarer who feels unwell should therefore report symptoms promptly through the vessel\u2019s medical procedures and seek professional assessment. Diagnosis cannot be made from symptoms alone; appropriate testing is essential.<\/p>\n
From awareness to shipboard prevention<\/p>\n
World Hepatitis Day offers shipping companies an opportunity to review whether hepatitis is adequately covered within their occupational health and safety systems.<\/p>\n
Existing maritime guidance has encouraged companies to adopt a hepatitis policy that gives crews clear information about the different types, transmission routes, preventive practices and access to appropriate vaccination for those whose work or travel creates additional risk.<\/p>\n
A practical company approach should begin before joining the vessel. Seafarers should be able to review their vaccination history with a qualified healthcare professional and receive risk-based advice concerning hepatitis A and B.<\/p>\n
Pre-employment and periodic medical programmes can also support confidential testing where clinically appropriate, followed by referral and continuity of care when a condition is identified. Vaccines against hepatitis A and B are available, while there is currently no effective vaccine against hepatitis C.<\/p>\n
Onboard controls should include reliable potable water<\/a> and food-safety management, effective hand hygiene, properly equipped first-aid stations, safe handling and disposal of sharps, and suitable protective equipment when blood exposure is possible. Ships should also have clear procedures explaining what to do following a needlestick injury or contact with blood.<\/p>\n Crews should be reminded not to share razors, toothbrushes or other items that may carry traces of blood. During shore leave, medical, dental, tattoo or piercing procedures should only be obtained from reputable providers using sterile equipment.<\/p>\n