HIV Stigma and Hepatitis Awareness
July National Health Observances: HIV Stigma and Hepatitis Awareness : resources: health.gov
July 21st marks Zero HIV Stigma Day, spearheading a movement to raise awareness and take action against HIV stigma, which reinforces and amplifies the HIV pandemic and related inequalities.
- HIV stigma refers to irrational or negative attitudes, behaviors, and judgments towards people living with or at risk of HIV.
- This day represents a movement to unite people, communities, and countries to help raise awareness about HIV stigma and learn about ways to help stop it.
- An important role can be played in reducing stigma and discrimination by offering support and speaking out to correct myths and stereotypes about HIV that you hear from others.
- Learn to use the words that are empowering and not have a negative meaning. Get the facts, learn more and get involved.
World Hepatitis Day
Each year on July 28, the World Health Organization celebrates World Hepatitis Day as a time to raise awareness and understanding about viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis C is a serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The most common way to get hepatitis C is by coming into contact with the blood of someone who has it. In the United States, people usually get hepatitis C by sharing needles. Everyone ages 18 to 79 needs to get tested for hepatitis C at least once.
Hepatitis B is a virus that spreads from person to person through blood, semen (cum), and fluids from the vagina. A mother with hepatitis B can also pass it to her baby at birth.
Some people who get hepatitis B can get rid of the virus. Others develop chronic (long-term) hepatitis B — a lifelong infection that can lead to liver disease, liver cancer, and even death.
The good news is there’s a vaccine (shot) to prevent hepatitis B.
To protect yourself and your family from hepatitis B:
- Make sure your children get the hepatitis B vaccine — and ask your doctor if you need it
- Get tested for hepatitis B if you’re pregnant or at risk for infection
- Be safe when you travel to countries where hepatitis B is common