Hiding in Plain Sight: The Silent Threat of Hepatitis

Each year, World Hepatitis Day on the 28th of July serves as a global call to action, shedding light on health challenges that quietly affect millions. Unlike conditions that present immediate, unmistakable warning signs, viral hepatitis—particularly types B and C—is infamous for progressing silently, often leading many to seek help when it's too late. Merilynn Steenkamp, General Manager of Southern Africa, Multi-Country Network at Roche Diagnostics, believes that routine testing and earlier diagnosis are essential to changing the outcome for millions

What Is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, an organ responsible for more than 500 vital functions, including filtering toxins from your blood, processing nutrients, producing proteins and helping your body fight infection. When the liver becomes inflamed, it cannot perform these jobs as efficiently, which can affect your overall health.

The condition can be caused by viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, toxins or autoimmune diseases. However, viral hepatitis is the most common form worldwide. The five main types are hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, each with different modes of transmission, symptoms and long-term health risks.

The Scale of the Hepatitis Epidemic

While five primary hepatitis viruses exist, hepatitis B and C account for the overwhelming majority of chronic liver disease worldwide. Hepatitis A and E generally present as acute short-term infections, though hepatitis E carries severe risks during pregnancy. Meanwhile, hepatitis D only manifests in individuals already infected with hepatitis B.

Globally, over 300 million people live with viral hepatitis, including approximately 2.7 million individuals in South Africa. Tragically, around 3,500 people lose their lives daily due to liver complications caused by these infections. The burden of these infections falls heavily on low to middle income regions, with an estimated 65 million people living with chronic hepatitis B across the continent.

The Importance of Hepatitis Testing and Vaccination

As noted by Marilynn Steenkamp “South Africa is not starting from scratch. Years of investment in molecular diagnostic infrastructure for HIV have created sophisticated laboratory networks capable of supporting hepatitis testing across South Africa.” The primary challenge of viral hepatitis is not that it cannot be found, but that far too many diagnoses are noted only after significant organ damage has occurred.

That's why early detection fundamentally alters this narrative for the better, as early testing enables timely access to care that the body desperately needs as it fights the infection. We have the technology and the infrastructure; we now need to ensure people utilize these resources across the country.

Unlocking peace of mind begins with a single, accessible step: voluntary testing. Conducted via a standard blood test that looks for specific viral proteins (antigens) and antibodies, the procedure requires no advance preparation and takes less than five minutes at a healthcare facility.

For hepatitis B, prevention through childhood immunization remains foundational. The World Health Organization advised a three-dose infant regimen starting within 24 hours of birth. In South Africa, routine childhood immunisation has incorporated hepatitis B vaccination since 1995, protecting successive generations from early infection.

Have you been tested for hepatitis yet?

Global evidence proves that these diagnostic strategies save lives. Egypt's widespread population screening drastically reduced its hepatitis C burden. This World Hepatitis Day, knowing your status is the most effective way to safeguard your health. By choosing to test voluntarily, individuals can bring light and awareness to a disease that thrives in the dark.