28 July is World Hepatitis Day. In Ukraine, Hepatitis Awareness Week is being held to mark the occasion, from 28 July to 1 August. Its goal is to raise public awareness about hepatitis, how it is transmitted, prevention, and treatment options. The 2025 campaign’s slogan is: ‘Viral hepatitis: let’s take a closer look.’
Hepatitis is one of the greatest threats to public health, and types B and C are among the most common infections in Ukraine. In 2024, more than 10,000 cases of these two forms of infection were registered in the country, indicating an increase compared to previous years.
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What is viral hepatitis and why is it dangerous?
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver that can occur in acute or chronic forms. The main types — A, B, C, D and E — differ in terms of transmission routes, duration of infection and health consequences. Hepatitis B and C in Ukraine are considered socially significant diseases due to their widespread prevalence and potentially severe course.
These infections can remain asymptomatic for years, gradually destroying the liver. According to scientific sources, up to 90% of chronic forms of hepatitis B and C are not accompanied by jaundice. Often, the only signs are general weakness, heaviness in the right upper quadrant, joint pain, or skin rashes. Due to such ‘silent’ symptoms, most patients seek medical attention too late — already at the stage of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).
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Who is at risk and how can you become infected
Most often, infection occurs through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Those at increased risk include medical workers, military personnel, emergency responders, tattoo artists, hairdressers, manicurists and piercers. The risk is also high among people who have had blood transfusions, undergone surgery, dental or cosmetic procedures.
According to infectious disease specialist Andriy Orbin, military personnel and defence forces are currently at particular risk. Their daily work involves contact with blood — even a minor prick or cut during medical procedures or combat operations can cause infection. In addition, infection is possible when using non-sterile instruments or hygiene products.
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How to protect yourself: prevention and vaccination
The main protection is vaccination. In Ukraine, vaccination against viral hepatitis B is included in the National Preventive Vaccination Calendar and is given to children from the first days of life. For adults, vaccination is possible at their own expense or through local or corporate programmes.
Vaccination against hepatitis B is also an effective prevention against hepatitis D, as the latter only develops in the presence of hepatitis B. At the same time, vaccination against hepatitis A is also available in Ukraine — it is recommended for certain risk groups, in particular food industry workers and people who have been in contact with patients.
It is also important to follow the rules of personal hygiene, not to use other people’s personal items, not to drink water from open sources, and to check the sterility of instruments during medical or cosmetic procedures.
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Access to testing and treatment in Ukraine
Ukraine has a free testing system for hepatitis B and C. Screening is available at primary care facilities, including family doctors. If the test result is positive, the patient is referred for further diagnosis. Hepatitis detected in time can be fully treated.
Hepatitis C is now completely curable in over 90–95% of cases. Treatment lasts from 3 to 6 months and is effective in both acute and chronic forms. Hepatitis B cannot be completely cured, but it can be controlled — antiviral drugs suppress the activity of the virus and reduce the risk of complications.
As part of the National Plan for 2030, Ukraine has programmes in place to provide tests and medicines for the treatment of hepatitis B and C. According to Andriy Orbin, test systems have already been distributed among hospitals in many regions, and sufficient quantities of direct-acting drugs have been delivered. Patients only need to contact a medical facility and get tested.
It is important to remember that viral hepatitis is not a death sentence if diagnosed in time. Ukraine has tools to combat this infection: vaccination, affordable testing, and modern therapy. But the most important thing is not to delay.
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