Buildings around Leeds will be lit purple tonight to mark World Hepatitis Day.
Today (July 28) marks World Hepatitis Day and the gesture aims to raise awareness of the chronic condition.
According to the NHS, Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection.
Hepatitis B and C cause 1.4 million deaths per year - more than HIV/AIDS and malaria. These viruses cause two in every three liver cancer deaths across the world.
Leeds General Infirmary, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds City Museum are among the buildings that will be lit up.
In Millenium Square this afternoon, The Bevan Street Health Van with teams from the Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust (LTHT), Bevan Healthcare will be offering mobile testing for the disease.
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A spokesperson from LTHT said: “Buildings on-site at Leeds General Infirmary and St James’s will join local landmarks including the Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Civic Hall, and Leeds City Museum, as well as other buildings across Yorkshire, in being lit up to mark the day.
“World Hepatitis Day takes place every year on 28 July bringing the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change. In 2021 the theme is ‘Hepatitis Can’t Wait’.”
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