World Hepatitis Day promotes vaccination and testing, highlights risk for MSM in South Africa

World Hepatitis Day on July 28 is used by health organisations to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, its severe liver complications and the availability of prevention and cure. DAP Health urges community members to get screened, receive hepatitis B vaccination and, where needed, access curative treatment for hepatitis C.

In South Africa, the month’s campaign stresses that gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men face higher rates of hepatitis A and B due to sexual exposure routes, and that the country now ranks among the ten with the greatest rise in new hepatitis C infections. The guidance stresses vaccination against hepatitis A and B, safer‑sex practices, avoiding sharing needles or contaminated sex toys, and regular testing, especially for those living with HIV or multiple partners.