A report by the World Hepatitis Alliance has called for an increased focus on hepatitis and says the disease should be given the same attention as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

The report, which coincides with the first World Hepatitis Day, estimates that 500 million worldwide are infected with either chronic viral hepatitis B or C, this equates to one in every 12 people.

Though it infects 10 times more people than HIV, the World Hepatitis Alliance says there is a serious lack of awareness and political will to tackle the disease.

At the annual meeting of the World Health Organisation, the Alliance has said as many as 1.5 million people die every year from a hepatitis disease, and it is one of the biggest threats to global health.

They are calling for hepatitis to be accorded the same publicity as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Scientists researching the disease are hindered by the lack of information at their disposal and they say a central source which coordinates statistics on hepatitis is needed.

The Alliance has instigated a 'Hepatitis Atlas' and is wants governments and organisations to provide relevant information and statistics.

Hepatitis A is spread by close personal contact with someone else who has the infection. You could also get hepatitis A by eating food that has been prepared by someone with hepatitis A, drinking water that has been contaminated by hepatitis A (in parts of the world with poor hygiene and sanitary conditions). A vaccine is available which offers lifelong protection.

Hepatitis B spreads by contact with an infected person's blood, semen, or other body fluid. You could get hepatitis B by having sex with an infected person without using a condom, sharing drug needles, having a tattoo or body piercing done with dirty tools that were used on someone else, getting pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it (health care workers can get hepatitis B this way), living with someone who has hepatitis B, sharing a toothbrush or razor with an infected person, traveling to countries where hepatitis B is common. An infected woman can give hepatitis B to her baby at birth.

Chronic hepatitis B can affect liver cells and the immune system, but again a vaccine is available which offers lifetime protection - Hepatitis B is the most infectious bloodborne pathogen known.

Hepatitis C is also caused by a virus and can be transmitted through contact with blood (including through sexual contact if the two parties' blood is mixed) and can also cross the placenta.

Hepatitis C may lead to cirrhosis of the liver and is a concern because it can remain asymptomatic for 10-20 years and those with it are particularly vulnerable to hepatitis A and B - alcohol must be avoided.

Hepatitis C is also spread through the exchange of blood or blood products and through sharing needles, but for Hepatitis C there is no vaccine.

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