World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is recognized annually on July 28, the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967. WHD serves as a time to promote wellness and information about hepatitis. 

• DC Health and Wellness Center Make and appointment for Hepatitis B or C Testing today!

Quick Facts and Information about Hepatitis

• World-Wide
  • 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024
  • only 45% of babies received a hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth in 2024
  • 1.3 million people died of chronic hepatitis B and C in 2024
• In the United States
  • 3 out of 4 people with hepatitis B virus infection were born outside of the U.S.
  • Hepatitis C is one of the most common types of viral hepatitis in the United States
  • People ages 20–39 years had the highest rates of acute hepatitis C in the U.S.
• In the District of Columbia
  • 253 people have been cured from Hepatitis C in the District. Highly effective oral antivirals have been available to treat and cure hepatitis C (HCV) since 2014, but access to the treatment has been limited. 
  • 70% of Acute Hepatitis C cases were among people residing in Wards 1, 5, 7, and 8
  • 692 people were diagnosed with Hepatitis B in DC betwenn 2020 and 2024