India, July 27 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
India is systematically breaking down healthcare barriers to achieve its 2030 goal of combating hepatitis. National Viral Hepatitis Control Program has adopted a health systems approach and integrated with various national programs to prevent infection and provide services including free drugs and diagnostics to the people affected with the disease.
Hepatitis Virus
Causes / Transmission
Prevention & Treatment
Hepatitis A (HAV)
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Hepatitis D (HDV)
Hepatitis E (HEV)
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, caused by hepatitis viruses or even other infections, toxic substances such as alcohol and drugs, and autoimmune diseases. There are five main hepatitis viruses, of which type B and type C are the most common and lead to chronic disease including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis has been recognised as a public health problem in India. In 2018, the Government launched the National Viral Hepatitis Program to combat this disease by providing screening and treatment services. This is in line with United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal of combating various viral diseases.
Modes of Transmission, Prevention and Management
National Viral Hepatitis Control Program& Others
The key strategies adopted under the NVHCP include preventive, promotive and curative interventions with the focus on awareness generation, increasing access, providing diagnosis and treatment for viral hepatitis to all in need.
The NVHCP program deals with Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses.
Seroprevalence is the share of people who test positive for a disease in a sample survey. In India's 2021 HIV Sentinel Surveillance data, about 0.85% of people tested positive for Hepatitis B and 0.29% for Hepatitis C - roughly 1 in 118 and 1 in 345 people, respectively.
The government runs various national health programs that also help in the prevention and treatment of the disease.
The program also has its toll-free number (1800-11-6666) shared with the NTEP which provides general information about the infection, its prevention, modes of transmission, management and the various service delivery sites strengthened under the program across the country.
Combating Hepatitis
Since 2018, India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme has offered free screening and treatment for Hepatitis B and C nationwide. Smart use of local funding, cheaper generic drugs, and existing health programs has helped expand this care further. Services are now moving from district hospitals down to local health centers, bringing testing and treatment closer to everyone. This reflects the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas - collective effort for inclusive growth, reaching every citizen.
References
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:
Others:
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