World Hepatitis Day is an annual celebration to promote awareness, screening and treatment of viral hepatitis. This “hidden epidemic” affects over 400 million people worldwide, and is one of the world’s top ten infectious diseases. This year, the theme  is “Prevent Hepatitis,” which aims to raise public consciousness of hepatitis A, B, C, D or E, and related issues such as treatment access and stigma. ADRLF brings you the “Top 10 Reasons to Screen, Vaccinate, Educate — Don’t Hesitate!” that we shared on July 28, 2015 via Twitter (@ADRLFoundation) and Facebook.

Reason 1: Globally, 400M people are infected with hepatitis, causing 1.4M death every year.

Reason 2: Why Screen and Vaccinate? Hepatitis C is 10 times more infectious than HIV.

Reason 3: 67% of people who inject drugs have hepatitis C.

Reason 4: Infants have up to 90% risk of getting infected with Hepatitis B in their first year.

Reason 5: Hep B can be prevented and treated but it cannot be cured.

Reason 6: Hepatitis is linked with social stigma that can be managed with proper awareness.

Reason 7: High-risk drug injectors have the lowest hepatitis vaccination rate.

Reason 8: “Silent Killer” hepatitis can infect w/o any symptoms. So know your risks & get tested!

Reason 9: Undiagnosed hepatitis leads to liver failure & cancer. Early detection saves lives!

Reason 10: Baby boomers are 5x more likely to have hepatitis C! Get tested if you’re born bet. 1945-1965.   Photo credit to World Hepatitis Alliance, CDC, and @jannsenEMEA.