World Hepatitis Day (WHD) is celebrated on the 28th of July each year.The day was selected to honor Nobel Laureate Prof. Blumberg, discoverer of hepatitis B virus (HBV) who celebrates his birthday on that day.

Alcohol abuse or excessive drinking is associated with a whole range of problems such as - physical, psychological, social, criminal and economical. Another silent killer associated with alcohol addiction is liver disease known as Cirrhosis or Hepatitis. Liver Cirrhosis is the terminal stage of the liver diseases in which the liver becomes shrunk and fibrosis there by losing all its function.

Hepatitis is a disease of the liver caused by several types of hepatitis virus. This virus causes destruction of the liver tissue and may lead to cirrhosis of the liver and further to carcinoma of the liver. It is the second-most important cancer-causing agent next to tobacco. Of the three Hepatitis A is the most benign and leaves no long term side effects.

Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks the liver. This disease is more infectious than AIDS because it is very easily transmitted by blood, a single virus particle can cause disease. Persistent HBV infection is considered to be the essential factor in the development of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV vaccination is an effective way to prevent both HBV and HCC.

Hepatitis A and B vaccine is recommended to all those who face a greater risk of developing the disease. There are two hepatitis B vaccine available, a genetically engineered vaccine, and plasma derived vaccine. Clinical trials of the hepatitis B vaccines have shown that they are 80-95 % effective in preventing HBV infection. It is the first anti cancer vaccine as it prevents hepatocellular carcinoma.