World Hepatitis Day 2026: India's Fight Against the Silent Killer

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by:

• Viral infections
• Toxic substances (alcohol, certain drugs)
• Autoimmune disorders

The five main hepatitis viruses are types A, B, C, D, and E.

Global Burden of Viral Hepatitis

• 1.34 million deaths annually
• ~2 million new infections every year
• 287 million people live with chronic hepatitis B or C globally
• Most infected people remain unaware of their infection
• Chronic hepatitis B and C account for over 90% of deaths and disability
• They are major causes of cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer

India's Hepatitis Burden

Seroprevalence in India (2021 HIV Sentinel Surveillance)

• Hepatitis B: 0.85% (~1 in 118 people)
• Hepatitis C: 0.29% (~1 in 345 people)

Diagnosis and Vaccination Gaps

• Diagnosis rate for hepatitis B: Only 2.4%
• Birth-dose vaccination coverage: ~63%
• Third-dose childhood coverage: ~93%

Types of Hepatitis: Transmission, Prevention & Treatment

Hepatitis A (HAV) and Hepatitis E (HEV)

• Transmission: Faecal-oral route through contaminated food/water; linked to poor sanitation
• Prevention: Safe drinking water, proper hygiene, sanitation; Hepatitis A vaccine available
• Treatment: Usually self-limiting; supportive care with hydration and nutrition

Hepatitis B (HBV)

• Transmission: Mother-to-child during birth; contact with infected blood, blood products, body fluids
• Prevention: Hepatitis B vaccine under Universal Immunisation Programme (birth dose within 24 hours, followed by doses at 6, 10, 14 weeks); safe injection and blood transfusion practices
• Treatment: Antiviral medicines for eligible chronic patients

Hepatitis C (HCV)

• Transmission: Unsafe injections, medical procedures, sharing needles/syringes, infected blood products
• Prevention: Safe injection and blood transfusion practices; harm-reduction measures (needle-exchange programmes)
• Treatment: Pan-genotypic Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) drugs; cure rate in 12-24 weeks
• No vaccine available

Hepatitis D (HDV)

• Transmission: Contact with infected blood, blood products, body fluids
• Note: Occurs only in persons already infected with Hepatitis B
• Prevention: Hepatitis B vaccination protects against HDV
• Treatment: Specialist care focusing on underlying HBV infection

WHO Elimination Targets (By 2030)

• 90% reduction in new hepatitis B infections
• 65% reduction in hepatitis-related deaths
• 90% diagnosis coverage

Government Initiatives: National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme

Launched: 2018

Objectives:

• Provide screening, diagnosis, and treatment services
• Reduce hepatitis-related illness and deaths
• Support UN Sustainable Development Goals

Key Features

Integration with Other Health Programmes

• RMNCHA+Nutrition Programme: Universal screening of pregnant women for hepatitis B
• Universal Immunisation Programme: Hepatitis B birth-dose for all newborns; HBIG for newborns of HBV-positive mothers within 24 hours
• National AIDS Control Programme: Screening of high-risk groups; vaccination of healthcare workers
• National TB Elimination Programme: Molecular testing machines used for hepatitis diagnosis
• Blood Transfusion Services: Link positive donors to healthcare facilities
• Helpline: Toll-free number 1800-11-6666

Early Symptoms to Watch

• Persistent fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Nausea
• Abdominal discomfort
• Dark urine
• Jaundice

Note: Most people show no symptoms during early stages, allowing disease to progress silently

Challenges Remain

• Low awareness and misinformation
• Social stigma
• Weak integration with primary healthcare
• High treatment costs
• Uneven birth-dose vaccination coverage
• Limited access at grassroots level

Constitutional/Policy Provisions

• Article 21: Right to life includes right to health
• SDG Goal 3: Good health and well-being
• Universal Immunisation Programme: Part of National Health Mission