The European Cancer Organisation’s Commitment on World Hepatitis Day

 

On 28 July, World Hepatitis Day, we unite with the World Health Organization, the World Hepatitis Alliance and the European Commission to raise awareness and action against hepatitis.

This year's campaign highlights the urgency of improving hepatitis testing and treatment to eliminate the virus by 2030, as per the WHO’s goals. In recent years, progress on that front has stalled, and the global health community needs to revitalise its efforts. 

Hepatitis B and C are both significant risk factors for liver cancer; it is estimated that across Europe  and the United Kingdom, both viruses are responsible for approximately 55% of all liver cancer deaths and 45% of all deaths due to cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases, resulting in approximately 64,000 deaths annually. At the European Cancer Organisation, we are dedicated to supporting comprehensive vaccination programmes and prevention strategies across Europe, with an array of advocacy and promotion efforts.

Our Roadmap outlines the vital steps needed to combat these vaccine-preventable cancers. By reversing the low coverage of testing and treatment, we can prevent thousands of deaths annually, especially for those groups that are particularly at risk such as newborns and children, migrants, people who inject drugs (PWID), people in prisons, people living with HIV, and men who have sex with men (MSM).

Join us in this global initiative to eliminate these viruses and reduce cancer incidence. Learn more about our HPV and Hep B Action Network and the ECO members actively supporting it.