After sunset on Tuesday 28 July 2026 the exterior façade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up purple to mark World Hepatitis Day 2026

World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and liver cancer. Every 30 seconds someone dies from a viral hepatitis related illness. However, with the existing prevention, testing and treatment services that are available, every hepatitis related death is preventable.

The World Hepatitis Day 2026 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down,” is a call to remove the barriers that stand between people and the services that can save their lives.

The tools needed to eliminate viral hepatitis already exist. Effective vaccines, accurate diagnostics, curative treatments for hepatitis C, and lifelong therapies for hepatitis B can prevent infections, save lives, and reduce liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Despite this, millions of people remain undiagnosed, untreated, or unable to access care due to stigma, limited awareness, health system gaps, and persistent inequalities. The 2026 campaign calls for turning proven science into action through stronger political commitment, sustained investment, and efforts to expand equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment, and care.

Visit World Hepatitis Day for more information.

Page last updated: 16 July 2026