In 2013, the WHA organised a side meeting at the World Health Assembly on behalf of Brazil to discuss the lack of global progress in addressing viral hepatitis.
In September 2015, the WHA and the WHO convened over 175 organisations and individuals from 55 countries, at the inaugural World Hepatitis Summit, which aimed to build momentum towards the development of comprehensive national plans within the framework of the Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS).
[3] The GHSS states in its introduction: "viral hepatitis is an international public health challenge, comparable to other major communicable diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.
[5][6] According to the WHO The Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis is the first of its kind and, when implemented, will contribute to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
World Hepatitis Day is recognised in over 100 countries each year through events such as free screenings, poster campaigns, demonstrations, concerts, talk shows, flash mobs and vaccination drives.