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Summary: Hepatitis is a rarely discussed issue in women’s health conversations. Due to this, countless women continue living with the virus without knowing it until the damage is already done. In this article, NFM explores this silent illness to mark the 2026 World Hepatitis Day.
Despite affecting millions globally and causing liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer, hepatitis remains largely invisible in women’s health conversations due to widespread social stigma that frames the disease as a sign of promiscuity or illicit drug use. As a result, women often avoid discussing their hepatitis status for fear of being judged, stigma and discrimination. Additionally, women’s health discourse heavily prioritises reproductive health, breast cancer, and maternal health. While pregnant women are typically screened for Hepatitis B during antenatal care, the disease is rarely positioned as a routine, ongoing health focus for women outside of pregnancy. This leaves a massive gap in hepatitis awareness and screening.
Consequently, World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28 to raise global awareness about viral hepatitis. The day is also used to promote vital initiatives for disease prevention, early testing, and treatment. To commemorate the day, Naija Feminists Media outlines how you can take care of your liver health.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver that’s commonly caused by viral infection, heavy alcohol consumption, exposure to toxins like chemicals, or autoimmune conditions where your immune system mistakenly attacks your liver. Common symptoms of infectious hepatitis include: fever, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dark urine, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, yellow skin and eyes, which may be signs of jaundice. There are several types of hepatitis, and each type can be acute or chronic. Some of them include:
- Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is the result of an infection with the hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is an acute, short-term disease.
- Hepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis B. It’s a chronic condition that affects 257 million people worldwide.
- Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C comes from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). It’s also a long-term condition that is regarded as the most common bloodborne viral infection in the United States. According to the CDC, approximately 2.4 million Americans are currently living with a chronic form of this infection, while 69,000 people have the acute form.
- Hepatitis D
This is a rare form of hepatitis that only occurs in conjunction with hepatitis B infection. The hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes liver inflammation like other strains, but a person cannot contract HDV without an existing hepatitis B infection. Globally, HDV affects 5% of people with chronic hepatitis B.
- Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is a waterborne disease caused by exposure to the hepatitis E virus (HEV). It is mainly found in areas with limited sanitation and typically results from ingesting fecal matter that contaminates the water supply. Hepatitis E is usually acute but can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy.
Why Hepatitis Escape Public Attention
One of the reasons hepatitis continues to escape public attention is due to its silent form. Unlike other diseases like cancer or endometriosis that cause immediate pain or obvious symptoms, chronic hepatitis can quietly damage the liver for years before a person realises anything is wrong.
For women, this silence is even more dangerous because fatigue that may even show as a possible symptom is often normalised as part of juggling work, caregiving, pregnancy, or household responsibilities. Hence, women are expected to push through exhaustion and caring for everyone rather than ask if something more serious might be happening.
That is why awareness matters just as much as treatment. A disease that’s silent requires intentional testing, routine screening, and public health education that encourages people to know their status before symptoms appear. Breaking down hepatitis begins with breaking the misconception that illness must always look or feel dramatic. Sometimes, the most dangerous infections are the ones that give no warning at all.
How You Can Take Charge of Your Liver Health Against Hepatitis
After years of being absent from mainstream women’s health conversations, hepatitis deserves a place on every woman’s personal health checklist. Here are practical steps women can take to protect themselves from Hepatitis:
- Know Your Hepatitis Status
One of the most important things women should do in regard to this disease is to get tested, especially for hepatitis B and C if you have never been screened. Because hepatitis can be symptom-free for years, getting tested is the only way to know your status.
- Get Vaccinated Against Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination. If you have never received the vaccine or are unsure of your vaccination history, speak with a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection.
- Don’t Skip Hepatitis Screening During Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, ask your healthcare provider about hepatitis B screening if it is not already offered. Early detection can help prevent mother-to-child transmission and ensure your baby receives appropriate protection at birth.
- Be Intentional About Everyday Hygiene
Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or any object that may come into contact with blood. If you get tattoos, piercings, or beauty treatments, choose licensed facilities that use properly sterilised equipment.
- Protect Yourself During Sexual Activity
Because hepatitis B can be transmitted through sexual contact, practising safer sex such as using condoms and knowing your partner’s status can reduce your risk of infection, especially if you or your partner are unvaccinated.
- Be Cautious with Medicines and Herbal Remedies
Not all natural remedies are harmless. Some herbal mixtures and the misuse of medications can damage the liver. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking herbal products or using medications for prolonged periods.
- Prioritise Your Health, Not Just Everyone Else’s
Women often delay medical appointments while caring for children, partners, or ageing parents. Make your own health a priority by scheduling regular check-ups and seeking medical advice if you have concerns.
Remember, caring for yourself is not selfish; it is essential.
