19 May, 2026
Every year on 19 May, National Hepatitis Testing Day serves as an important reminder of the global impact of viral hepatitis and the critical role of diagnostic testing in improving patient outcomes.
Despite advances in treatment and prevention, hepatitis remains a major public health challenge. Millions of people worldwide are living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C, and a significant proportion are unaware of their infection due to the often silent nature of the disease.
Understanding Hepatitis
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections. There are five main types of hepatitis viruses — A, B, C, D, and E — each varying in transmission, severity, and long-term impact.
While some forms may resolve without treatment, chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to serious complications including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
What makes hepatitis particularly concerning is that many individuals remain asymptomatic for years. This means infections often go undetected until significant liver damage has already occurred.
The Importance of Testing
National Hepatitis Testing Day highlights one key message: know your status.
Testing is the only reliable way to diagnose hepatitis, especially in its early stages. Early detection enables:
- Timely clinical intervention
- Improved patient outcomes
- Reduced transmission within communities
- Access to life-saving treatments
For hepatitis C in particular, highly effective antiviral therapies can cure the vast majority of cases when diagnosed early.
Similarly, appropriate management of hepatitis B can significantly reduce the risk of long-term liver disease.
Hepatitis: A Silent Global Burden
Globally, viral hepatitis B and C are responsible for approximately 1.3 million deaths each year — comparable to other major infectious diseases.
Across many regions, millions of people are living with chronic hepatitis infections, with a large proportion unaware of their condition. This lack of awareness continues to be one of the biggest barriers to effective control and elimination.
The Role of Diagnostics in Elimination
Achieving global hepatitis elimination targets relies heavily on expanding access to accurate and reliable diagnostic testing.
Laboratories play a central role in this effort by:
- Providing high-quality screening and confirmatory testing
- Supporting disease monitoring and treatment decisions
- Enabling early detection in at-risk populations
At Fortress Diagnostics, we recognise the importance of dependable diagnostic solutions in tackling infectious diseases such as hepatitis. Delivering consistent, accurate results is essential to supporting clinicians and improving patient care pathways.
Moving Forward: From Awareness to Action
National Hepatitis Testing Day is more than a date in the calendar — it is a call to action for healthcare providers, laboratories, and public health organisations.
Increasing testing uptake, improving awareness, and expanding access to diagnostics are essential steps toward reducing the burden of hepatitis worldwide.
By prioritising early detection and investing in reliable diagnostic tools, we can move closer to a future where hepatitis is no longer a silent threat.
