World Hepatitis Day 2026 and National Hepatitis Interventions

World Hepatitis Day 2026 and National Hepatitis Interventions

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Why in News

  • The world observed **World Hepatitis Day** on **28th July** to spread awareness about viral liver infections.
  • The official theme for **2026** is **"Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down"**, focusing on removing social and financial barriers to medical care.

Key Facts About Hepatitis

  • Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by viruses, alcohol, toxic drugs, or autoimmune diseases.
  • The name comes from the Greek word **hepar**, meaning liver, and **itis**, meaning inflammation.
  • Five distinct viral strains cause hepatitis, classified as types **A, B, C, D, and E**.
  • Types **A and E** spread through contaminated food or water due to poor sanitation.
  • Types **B, C, and D** spread through infected blood, bodily fluids, unsafe injections, or mother-to-child transmission during birth.
  • Types **B and C** cause over **90%** of viral hepatitis deaths through cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.
  • Globally, viral hepatitis causes **1.34 million** deaths and **2 million** new infections every year.
  • Nearly **304 million** people globally live with chronic **Hepatitis B** or **C**, and most remain unaware of their condition.
  • India has **29 million** chronic **Hepatitis B** cases and **5.5 million** chronic **Hepatitis C** cases.
  • India accounts for **10% to 15%** of the global **Hepatitis B** carrier pool, ranking second among high-burden countries.
  • According to the **2021 HIV Sentinel Surveillance**, **Hepatitis B** prevalence in India stood at **0.85%**, while **Hepatitis C** was **0.29%**.
  • Only **2.4%** of **Hepatitis B** cases in India are diagnosed, leaving a massive testing gap.
  • India achieves **63%** **Hepatitis B** birth-dose vaccine coverage, despite **93%** coverage for the third vaccine dose in childhood.
  • Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice.
  • Pregnant women infected with **Hepatitis E** face a significantly higher risk of acute liver failure.
  • **Hepatitis D** is a defective virus that infects only individuals who already carry **Hepatitis B**.
  • The **World Health Organization (WHO)** aims for a **90%** reduction in new infections and a **65%** reduction in deaths by **2030**.

Modes of Transmission, Prevention, and Management

  • **Hepatitis A** and **E** spread via the fecal-oral route through contaminated food or water.
  • Prevention for **Hepatitis A** and **E** relies on clean drinking water, good hygiene, sanitation, and available vaccines.
  • Treatment for **Hepatitis A** and **E** is supportive, focusing on hydration and nutrition since the infection resolves on its own.
  • **Hepatitis B** transmits through infected blood, bodily fluids, and mother-to-child transmission during birth.
  • Prevention for **Hepatitis B** involves giving newborns a birth dose vaccine within **24 hours**, followed by doses at **6, 10, and 14 weeks**.
  • Chronic **Hepatitis B** is managed using daily antiviral medications based on clinical guidelines.
  • **Hepatitis C** spreads through contact with infected blood, unsterile medical equipment, or shared needles.
  • No vaccine exists for **Hepatitis C**, but safe blood transfusion practices and harm reduction programs help prevent its spread.
  • Direct-Acting Antiviral drugs cure over **95%** of **Hepatitis C** cases within **12 to 24 weeks**.
  • **Hepatitis D** spreads through infected blood and only affects people already infected with **Hepatitis B**.
  • Vaccinating individuals against **Hepatitis B** automatically protects them from **Hepatitis D** infection.

National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme

  • The Indian government launched the **National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP)** in **2018**.
  • The programme aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by **2030**, supporting **Sustainable Development Goal 3.3**.
  • It covers all five viral strains (**A, B, C, D, and E**) through preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services.
  • The **Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme** monitors outbreak-prone **Hepatitis A** and **E** cases across the country.
  • The government provides free diagnostic testing and essential medications for chronic **Hepatitis B** and **C**.
  • Healthcare providers use the digital **NVHCP Management Information System portal** for paperless patient registration and monitoring.

Supporting National Health Programmes

  • The **Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCH+A)** program conducts universal screening of pregnant women for **Hepatitis B**.
  • The **Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)** provides the birth-dose vaccine to all newborns within **24 hours**.
  • Newborns of **Hepatitis B** positive mothers receive both the vaccine and **Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin** at birth.
  • The **National AIDS Control Programme (NACP)** screens high-risk populations and vaccinates eligible healthcare workers.
  • The **National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)** shares its molecular testing machines to diagnose viral hepatitis.
  • Patients can call the toll-free helpline **1800-11-6666** to get information on hepatitis prevention and nearby treatment centers.
  • Blood banks screen donors and link individuals testing positive for **Hepatitis B** or **C** to treatment facilities.

Way Forward

  • India needs sustained financial funding to strengthen primary healthcare facilities for liver care.
  • Health authorities must expand screening campaigns to identify millions of undiagnosed carriers early.
  • Hospitals must ensure that every newborn receives the **Hepatitis B** birth dose within the first **24 hours**.
  • Public health campaigns must dispel social stigma and educate communities about safe injection practices.