Promitheas association launches awareness campaign for World Hepatitis Day

The Cyprus Liver Patients and Friends Association, known as Promitheas, has declared July a month for raising awareness about viral hepatitis, coinciding with World Hepatitis Day on July 28. The campaign's goal is to educate the public on prevention, screening, and early diagnosis to help eliminate the disease as a public health threat by 2030. Hepatitis is defined as liver inflammation caused by viruses or other factors, potentially leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer. There are five main types of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E), with types B and C being the most common causes of chronic liver disease. Globally, approximately 354 million people are estimated to be living with chronic hepatitis B or C, though many remain undiagnosed due to the lack of visible symptoms. While Cyprus has implemented national policies and vaccination programs, the association emphasizes the continued need for proactive health screenings. The initiative seeks to ensure global access to testing and care under the motto 'We are not waiting'.