New Delhi,
Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on World Hepatitis Day that India is moving firmly to deal with this global health challenge. The aim of this day, celebrated on 28 July every year, is to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and strengthen its prevention and management efforts.
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver (liver), which can cause severe liver disease and cancer. Nadda wrote on the social media platform ‘X’, “World Hepatitis Day is a platform to raise awareness about hepatitis and its prevention measures. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is fighting this health challenge and saving people through the National Viral Hepatis Control Program.” He said on this year’s theme ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down’ that this theme shows the need to eliminate the social obstructions that hindered hepatitis.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India ranks second in Hepatitis B and C cases after China. In 2022, India cases of hepatitis B and 55 lakh hepatitis C were registered in India, which is 11.6 percent of global hepatitis cases.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said, “We have to show their commitment in a new way to spread awareness about hepatitis and to inform people about its prevention. India is ensuring timely investigation, treatment and safety through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program.”
Hepatitis is caused by five main viruses (A, B, C, D, and E), which cause liver disease. These virus diffusion, severity, geographical distribution and prevention methods vary. World Hepatitis Day emphasizes the need to remove social stigma like financial, social and symbol barriers. Increasing timely investigation and treatment can control the cases of Hepatitis B and C. The global goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030 is necessary to improve the low access of investigation and treatment.
