Context:
Recently, India has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as public health threats by 2030. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, while addressing a side event of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, highlighted India’s comprehensive and people-centred strategy to combat viral hepatitis.
About Viral Hepatitis:
Viral hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are particularly important public-health concerns because chronic infection can result in liver cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.
Hepatitis B vs Hepatitis C:
|
Parameter |
Hepatitis B |
Hepatitis C |
|
Virus |
DNA virus |
RNA virus |
|
Major transmission |
Blood, sexual contact, mother-to-child |
Mainly infected blood |
|
Vaccine |
Available |
No vaccine |
|
Treatment |
Long-term management with antivirals |
Usually curable with DAAs |
While Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, Hepatitis C currently has no vaccine. However, Hepatitis C can generally be cured using Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) medicines.
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Disease Burden in India:
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- India has a significant burden of chronic Hepatitis B and C. A major challenge is that many infected individuals remain asymptomatic for long periods, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
- Consequently, expanding screening, testing and treatment coverage is essential for achieving the elimination target.
- India has a significant burden of chronic Hepatitis B and C. A major challenge is that many infected individuals remain asymptomatic for long periods, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
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India’s National Response:
The Government launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) in 2018 to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management of viral hepatitis.
Major interventions include:
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- Hepatitis B vaccination under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
- Antenatal screening to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
- Free diagnosis and treatment under the national programme.
- Safe blood transfusion and injection practices.
- Counselling and support for vulnerable populations.
- Awareness generation and disease surveillance.
- Hepatitis B vaccination under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
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Major Challenges:
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- Undiagnosed infections due to the largely asymptomatic nature of the disease.
- Limited awareness about transmission and prevention.
- Unequal access to testing and treatment.
- Continued risk of mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B.
- Need for stronger surveillance and healthcare infrastructure.
- Ensuring sustained access to affordable medicines and diagnostics.
- Undiagnosed infections due to the largely asymptomatic nature of the disease.
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Way Forward:
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- India needs an integrated approach combining vaccination, antenatal screening, targeted testing, early treatment, safe blood and injection practices, awareness and robust surveillance.
- Greater international cooperation is also required to ensure equitable access to diagnostics, medicines and technology and healthcare resources.
- India needs an integrated approach combining vaccination, antenatal screening, targeted testing, early treatment, safe blood and injection practices, awareness and robust surveillance.
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Conclusion:
India’s renewed commitment to eliminating Hepatitis B and C highlights the importance of shifting from a treatment-centric approach to prevention, early detection and universal access to care. Achieving the 2030 goal will require sustained government action, community participation, stronger health systems and continued international cooperation.
