Sunday, July 28, is World Hepatitis Day. Launched in 2008 by the World Hepatitis Alliance, and joined in 2010 by the World Health Organization (WHO), the global event aims to provide international focus for patient groups and people living with either hepatitis B or C virus (HBC or HCV). More than 1 million people die from hepatitis worldwide every year, and although an estimated 500 million people are currently living with hep B or hep C, the majority of them are unaware of their status. Events are being held around the world to increase awareness and to teach people and governments how to avoid new cases and improve health outcomes for people with the virus. This year’s theme—“See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil”—highlights the extent to which hep is ignored around the world. A second attempt will be made to break the Guinness World Record for performing the proverb. The alliance will be giving away free stuffed monkeys to member organizations that agree to generate awareness by posing and photographing the toys in front of famous international sites.

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