World Hepatitis Day and Native Americans: Understanding, Preventing, and Healing
Each year on July 28, the world recognizes World Hepatitis Day, raising awareness about viral hepatitis — a group of infectious diseases that inflame the liver and can lead to serious health complications. For Native American communities, this day holds special significance, as hepatitis disproportionately affects Indigenous populations in the United States.
The Burden of Hepatitis in Native Communities
Viral hepatitis — particularly Hepatitis C — has long been a critical public health concern for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AI/AN people have the highest rate of Hepatitis C-related deaths of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S.
Contributing factors include:
Limited access to healthcare, especially in rural or reservation areas
Historical trauma and mistrust of medical systems due to a legacy of broken treaties and systemic neglect
Higher rates of substance use disorders, including injection drug use, which increases the risk of Hepatitis C transmission
Lack of culturally appropriate education, screening, and prevention programs
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections. The five main types are:
Hepatitis A (HAV): Spread through contaminated food or water. Preventable with a vaccine.
Hepatitis B (HBV): Spread through blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. Preventable with a vaccine.
Hepatitis C (HCV): Spread primarily through blood. No vaccine exists, but it is curable with treatment.
Hepatitis D and E: Less common in the U.S., though Hepatitis E is more prevalent in parts of Asia and Africa.
Hepatitis C is especially concerning because it often progresses silently — many people don’t realize they’re infected until significant liver damage has occurred.
Potential outcomes include:
Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
Liver cancer
Liver failure
Why World Hepatitis Day Matters for Native Americans
World Hepatitis Day is not only about awareness — it’s a call to action. For Native communities, this means:
Breaking the silence and stigma around hepatitis
Promoting culturally relevant education on transmission, prevention, and treatment
Encouraging routine screenings, especially for those born between 1945–1965, who are at higher risk for Hepatitis C
Supporting harm reduction strategies such as needle exchange programs
Progress and Hope
There is encouraging news:
Hepatitis C is curable with modern antiviral medications
Hepatitis A and B are preventable through vaccination
More tribal health programs are offering screening, education, and treatment
Programs like the Indian Health Service (IHS) Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative are working to expand testing and access to care across Indian Country.
What Can You Do?
Get tested: Ask your provider for a simple blood test, especially if you have risk factors
Get vaccinated: Protect yourself from Hepatitis A and B
Know the signs: Fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice may indicate hepatitis — though many cases are asymptomatic
Practice harm reduction: Avoid sharing needles or personal hygiene items
Share knowledge: Educate your family and community — healing starts with information
Honoring Health and Tradition
For many Native nations, health is not just physical — it's spiritual, emotional, and connected to the land. Observing World Hepatitis Day is a way to honor the whole health of Native peoples, blending modern medicine with traditional values of care and community.
