A Silent Threat That Needs Attention
On July 28, 2026, the world observes World Hepatitis Day, an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to spotlight this liver inflammation that can be acute or chronic. According to reports from sources like Infobae, in 2024, 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C, and nearly 1.4 million die each year from complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
This year's campaign slogan is Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down, aiming to remove barriers that separate people from life-saving services. In the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) warns that 10 million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C, and every 30 seconds someone dies from the disease worldwide.
Vaccination Drop in Argentina: A Warning Sign
In the context of this commemoration, Argentine specialists raised the alarm. According to Rosario3, hepatologist Dr. Esteban González Ballerga (M.N. 78.316), head of the Gastroenterology Division at the Hospital de Clínicas in Buenos Aires, reported that hepatitis A vaccination coverage in Argentina dropped from 100% to 80% over the past two years.
At 12 months, everyone should be vaccinated. If we don't apply the vaccine faithfully, it will bring problems in the future.
Although most hepatitis A cases resolve favorably, about 20% of infected people are at higher risk of developing severe forms. Therefore, prevention through vaccination remains the most effective tool.
Types of Hepatitis and How They Spread
| Type of Hepatitis | Main Transmission Route | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A and E | Fecal-oral (contaminated water or food). Hepatitis E also from undercooked meat. | Usually cause acute hepatitis. Hepatitis E can be severe in pregnant women. |
| Hepatitis B, C, and D | Blood contact, shared needles, unprotected sex. B and D also from mother to child. | Can become chronic. Hepatitis B is the 8th leading cause of death worldwide. |
Symptoms and the Importance of Early Diagnosis
One of the biggest challenges is that hepatitis is often asymptomatic for months or years. When symptoms appear, they can mimic the flu: general malaise, fatigue, and nausea. If the condition progresses, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, and pale stools may occur.
In Argentina, hepatitis C remains the leading cause of liver transplants due to cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is estimated to affect 1% of the population, but most are unaware. The good news is that current treatments achieve cure rates close to 95%, so specialists recommend that people over 50 get tested at least once in their lifetime.
Prevention: A Message of Hope
Chronic hepatitis can be prevented and treated. Effective vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B (there is no vaccine for C, but a definitive cure is available). At the Hospital de Clínicas, after evaluating 370 people, 187 susceptible patients were identified, and 78 started the hepatitis B vaccine series, while 53 started for hepatitis A.
Beyond vaccination, maintaining good hand hygiene, drinking safe water, using condoms, not sharing needles, and having regular medical check-ups are life-saving habits. As Dr. González Ballerga concluded: A cure is possible with simple, effective, and available treatments, but early diagnosis remains the key.