Viral hepatitis causes liver inflammation and long-term damage, yet it often goes completely unnoticed. Because types like Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) rarely produce symptoms until severe liver damage, cirrhosis, or liver cancer has set in, they are rightly known as “silent killers.” With early awareness, timely screening, vaccination, and modern medical care, liver failure can be prevented.
India’s Current Landscape
India bears one of the highest viral hepatitis burdens globally:
- Hepatitis B: ~40 million chronic carriers.
- Hepatitis C: 6–12 million chronic cases.
- Hepatitis A & E: Frequent waterborne outbreaks.
In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030—targeting a 90% reduction in new HBV cases, 100% blood donation screening, and massive expansions in diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention & Early Diagnosis
- The good news: Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and in many cases, curable. The biggest hurdle today is not a lack of medicine, but a lack of testing and awareness.
- Vaccination: The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and highly effective. Every newborn should receive it, and unvaccinated adults should consult their doctor.
- Infection Control: Prevent transmission by ensuring safe blood transfusions, using sterile needles, and avoiding shared razors or personal hygiene items. (Note: There is currently no vaccine for Hepatitis C).
- Screening: Simple blood tests can detect HBV and HCV years before symptoms appear.
Who Should Get Tested?
You should consider a screening if you:
- Have a family history of hepatitis.
- Have received past blood transfusions or undergo regular dialysis.
- Are a healthcare worker exposed to blood products.
- Have persistently abnormal liver function test (LFT) results.
Modern Treatment: A Reason for Hope
- Hepatitis B: Controlled effectively with modern oral antivirals to prevent disease progression.
- Hepatitis C: Now curable in over 95% of cases with a 12-week course of daily oral medications.
This World Hepatitis Day, let’s take collective action.
Get screened, get vaccinated, and protect your liver.
Dr. P. Venkata Sagar, GI & Liver Transplant Surgery
Consultant – HPB
MGM SevenHills Hospital, Ram Nagar, Visakhapatnam
