Dr. Arnab Sarkar, Consultant (Gastroenterology), Fortis Hospital Anandapur
World Hepatitis Day, observed every year on 28 July, reminds us that viral hepatitis continues to be a significant public health challenge. The 2026 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” emphasizes the need to dismantle the barriers that prevent timely awareness, screening, vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment. Despite remarkable advances in medicine, millions remain unaware of their infection until they develop serious liver disease. As healthcare professionals, our responsibility extends beyond treatment to education, prevention, and early detection.
India continues to carry a considerable burden of hepatitis B and hepatitis C, the two most common causes of chronic viral hepatitis. Both infections may remain silent for years, gradually damaging the liver and eventually leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Fortunately, these complications are largely preventable through vaccination, early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and appropriate antiviral therapy.
The Government of India’s National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) has strengthened efforts to improve access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment, while universal hepatitis B vaccination has significantly reduced new infections among children. However, awareness remains inadequate, and many patients still present late because they are unaware of the disease or hesitate to seek medical care.
What You Should Do:
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B, especially if you have never been immunized.
• Undergo screening if you belong to a high-risk group, have a family history of hepatitis, or have received blood transfusions before routine screening became standard.
• Ensure safe medical practices by using sterile needles and syringes and receiving blood only from screened blood banks.
• Maintain good personal hygiene, consume safe food and clean drinking water to reduce the risk of hepatitis A and E.
• Seek medical advice early if you experience persistent fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal swelling, or unexplained liver function abnormalities.
• Complete the prescribed treatment and attend regular follow-up visits if diagnosed with hepatitis.
What You Should Avoid
• Do not share razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, or needles, as these may transmit hepatitis B and C.
• Do not ignore persistent symptoms or abnormal liver function tests.
• Avoid self-medication, particularly with over-the-counter drugs that may harm the liver.
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, especially if you have any form of liver disease.
• Do not stigmatize individuals living with hepatitis. With appropriate treatment and precautions, they can lead healthy, productive lives.
This year’s theme reminds us that eliminating hepatitis requires breaking down barriers; not only in healthcare systems but also in public perception. Through vaccination, awareness, routine screening, early treatment, and compassionate care, India can make significant progress toward the WHO goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Every individual who chooses prevention, every healthcare worker who promotes early diagnosis and every community that rejects stigma brings us one step closer to a hepatitis-free future.
