Every year, July 28 is observed as World Hepatitis Day to raise global awareness around Hepatitis- a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E- and encourage its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It’s said that every 1 in 3 individuals is suffering from Hepatitis and most of them don’t even know that they have contacted it. Thus, it’s no surprise that more than 3500 people lose their lives every day to Hepatitis B and C infections. With such horrifying numbers, it’s imperative for all the relevant stakeholders to come together and spread awareness about Hepatitis and its devastating impact. And advertising can play a key role in spreading the word.
So, here I am today with 5 hard-hitting Hepatitis awareness commercials that informed and inspired everyone.
1. World Health Organization: Hepatitis Ad (2015)
Honestly, I have never come across a more informative ad campaign around any disease or health condition than this 2015 WHO advert, which was released to educate people about the common modes of transmission and prevention of Hepatitis.
This 2-minute animated cartoon features a caricature that feels scared about contracting Hepatitis under different circumstances to highlight some common modes of transmission of viral Hepatitis. From unsafe blood transfusion and unsterilized syringes to contaminated razors and unprotected sex- the ad highlights all the different ways you can contract Hepatitis. But it doesn’t end there. It also showcases how you can stay safe from it and recommends childhood vaccination to nip the threat of Hepatitis in the bud.
Now, that’s what I call an educational and responsible ad campaign.
2. World Hepatitis Alliance: Find The Mission Millions (2019)
Let’s take a look at some stats. Around 325 million around the world are suffering from Hepatitis. 325 million- that’s almost the entire population of the United States. What’s worse is that 290 million of these people don’t even know that they have Hepatitis.
This 2-minute spot by the international non-governmental organization, World Hepatitis Alliance, sheds light on the gravity of Hepatitis. The ad highlights why people must see their doctor. After all, if you don’t get tested for Hepatitis, you’ll never know if you have it!
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facing The Facts (2016)
While people of all ages need to be at guard against Hepatitis, baby boomers are five times more likely to have Hepatitis C.
This 2015 advert by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) features diverse faces of baby boomers, who explain why those born during these years should get tested. The commercial ends with the call for baby boomers to talk to their doctor about testing, as treatments are now available that can cure Hepatitis C.
Here’s another ad by the American biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, which will surely make boomers rush to their doctors and get themselves tested for Hepatitis, in case they weren’t taking it seriously until now!
4. UNICEF India: End The Hepatitis B Stigma (2015)
As is the case with HIV, there’s a great stigma attached to Hepatitis too, and people suffering from it go through it every day.
That’s why UNICEF India roped in one of the biggest Bollywood icons, Amitabh Bachchan, to exhort people to end the stigmatization of Hepatitis B patients. This 2015 ad shows Amitabh telling the audience that Hepatitis doesn’t spread through handshakes or any other kind of physical contact with Hepatitis patients.
I’d say it’s one of the most well-thought-out ads on Hepatitis awareness. After all, the indifference of other people hurts the patients more than the disease itself.
5. Hepatitis B Foundation: Hepatitis B Awareness Campaign (2010)
And here’s the last ad on this list. As you might already know by now, Hepatitis B has no symptoms and can be transmitted from the mother to children at the time of birth.
This 2010 television PSA, which was developed with the support of Gilead Sciences, highlights that a shocking one in ten Asian Americans has hepatitis B and asks the audience if they are one of them. Well, I guess we won’t find out until we get tested!
Wrapping Up
And that was a wrap of some of the most impactful Hepatitis awareness commercials. Hepatitis can be life-threatening and must not be taken lightly. Thankfully, these ads fully understood the risk of Hepatitis and added maximum value to those who might need this information, which would mean pretty much everyone!
We’ll be back with more wonderful commercials for you. Till then, stay tuned!
This is your weekly newsletter phrazle including the most recent developments in the world of social media. As the social media world continues to change, it may be difficult to stay updated on the fast-paced advancements.