hepVoice Vol.18 | Page 4

World Hepatitis Alliance Activities World Hepatitis Day 2017 On 28 July 2017 the world once again came together to mark World Hepatitis Day (WHD). This was a momentous occasion for patient organisations, governments, medical professionals and the general public to join forces to raise awareness and demand action in disease prevention and access to testing, treatment and care. The efforts from each and every organisation and individual mean that steps have been taken to transform the lives of the 325 million people living with the illness and eliminate hepatitis. 4 hep Voice July 2017 As well as events taking place in countries all across the globe, organisations and individuals worldwide used social media to raise awareness of the global burden of hepatitis. • Thousands of people took part in the #ShowYourFace campaign with over 3,500 selfies added to the gallery • #WorldHepatitisDay trended globally and in many countries and cities throughout the world • One tweet to #WorldHepatitisDay every 6 seconds on 28 July • The #ShowYourFace Thunderclap was signed by 357 organisations and individuals, helping the elimination message reach 15.6 million people hep Voice July 2017 5