When it comes to stigma around hepatitis, part of the problem is individuals being misinformed or don’t know what hepatitis is. According to a global report conducted by the World Hepatitis Alliance, there was a survey investigating the types of stigma and discrimination people with hepatitis face. The results showed how the hepatitis infection impacted an individual’s ability to access medical care, mental health care and to work and maintain relationships.

To put it in perspective, understanding what hepatitis is and how it affects the body can lead to others empathizing/sympathizing with those who have it, being more open-minded, having conversations, and showing support in any shape or form. 

To put it in simplest terms, hepatitis is inflammation of the liver tissue. There are several causes, but the most common one is viral infection. Hepatitis is a serious public health issue that infects millions of people worldwide each year.  According to The World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015, it was estimated that 1 in 3 people are infected with one of the five viruses that lead to hepatitis. Five viruses cause different forms of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Let’s break down each form of hepatitis to understand better.

• Hepatitis A: Is considered a foodborne illness (mostly) and can spread through contaminated water and unwashed food. It’s the easiest to transmit but least likely to damage the liver. It is usually a mild case and can be resolved within six months.

• Hepatitis B: This can be transmitted through exposure to contaminated blood, syringes, bodily fluids, and needles. It is a chronic disorder and could lead to long-term liver damage, liver cancer, and cirrhosis after many years of carrying the virus.

• Hepatitis C: Can be transmitted through infected blood from the mother to a newborn during childbirth. It, too, can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis in the long term.

• Hepatitis D: This is found in people who are also infected with hepatitis B.

• Hepatitis E: This is predominantly found in Africa, Asia, and South America. It is similar to hepatitis but has different symptoms.

Global Prevalence: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, an estimated 354 million people worldwide were living with chronic hepatitis B or C.

Mortality: Viral hepatitis caused 1.1 million deaths in 2019, comparable to deaths caused by tuberculosis and HIV combined.

Hepatitis B: Approximately 296 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B in 2019. About 1.5 million new infections occur each year.

Hepatitis C: An estimated 58 million people have chronic hepatitis C infection. Approximately 1.5 million new infections occur annually.

Treatment: Only 10% of people with chronic hepatitis B were diagnosed in 2019, with 22% of those receiving treatment. For hepatitis C, 21% were diagnosed and 62% of those diagnosed received treatment in 2019.

Economic burden: The annual economic burden of hepatitis B and C in the United States is estimated to be over $9 billion.

Co-infection: Approximately 2.7 million people living with HIV are co-infected with hepatitis B, and 2.3 million with hepatitis C.

To start change and break the stigma of hepatitis here are key steps to making it a reality.

• Research: Conducting thorough research on hepatitis will help put the disease in perspective for those who don’t have it. Take a walk in someone’s shoes and see how they may experience the circumstances of hepatitis, what type they have, and how it affects their life. Doing your research on a topic will help you assess current information, which can lead to questions and a better understanding of how to empathize and help individuals with hepatitis.

• Optimistic Language: It’s more than just words; it’s how you say them, accompanied by a tone of voice, body language, and eye contact. All these are important in conveying a good message and the respect and dignity to a person. Use good language to describe someone who you know has hepatitis or is going through it yourself, and create a safe space to be vulnerable. It is a stepping stone to breaking the stigma. Words can hurt, and how we perceive and view things with language alone can cause many stigmas and miscommunications about specific topics, such as hepatitis.

• Let’s Talk: Starting an open conversation is another step in breaking the stigma of hepatitis. It provides a safe space where those who have hepatitis can share their stories, and those who do not can be educated on what hepatitis is and how they can offer support. Talking about hepatitis can lead to positive changes in how we view each other, hepatitis itself, and how we treat others.
  

Hepatitis, an inflammation that can affect the liver, is often accompanied by symptoms and triggers that can exacerbate the condition. The stigma surrounding hepatitis has led to the isolation of affected individuals, hindering their access to treatment and support. However, by gaining more knowledge and insight into the condition, we can enlighten ourselves and change our perspectives, thereby breaking the stigma associated with hepatitis.

Fortunately, there are organizations dedicated to this cause. The World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), a global organization working to eliminate viral hepatitis, coordinates World Hepatitis Day annually to raise awareness. In the United States, the Hepatitis B Foundation, a nonprofit focused on hepatitis B, provides valuable information, support, and research funding. These organizations, among others, play a crucial role in combating stigma, supporting affected individuals, and advancing our understanding and treatment of hepatitis.

By educating ourselves, supporting these organizations, and actively working to break down stigma, we can create a more informed, compassionate society that better supports individuals affected by hepatitis. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions around the world who are impacted by this condition.

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