India's Hepatitis Crisis: Urgent Solutions for a Healthier Future Before 2030

With the World Health Organization aiming to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, India faces urgent challenges of Hepatitis Crisis that need to be addressed—among them, expensive diagnostic procedures, limited access to screening, and enduring social stigma,

World Hepatitis Day, observed every year on July 28, is a global call to tackle hepatitis, which has become the second most lethal infectious disease after COVID-19. The 2024 theme, ‘Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down’, highlights the need to remove financial, social, and systemic barriers that hinder early diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention of this largely silent disease.

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, is mostly caused by five viruses: A, B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A and E are typically transmitted through contaminated food or water, leading to acute but usually short-term illnesses. In contrast, Hepatitis B, C, and D are more dangerous due to their modes of transmission, which include exposure to infected blood, unsafe medical procedures, unprotected sex, or transmission from mother to child. Without timely intervention, these types can result in chronic liver conditions, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.

Hepatitis symptoms vary by type (A, B, C, D, E) and can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). Many people may have no symptoms early on, especially with chronic hepatitis B and C, but common symptoms when present include.

1. Fatigue and weakness

2. Flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, nausea, vomiting

3. Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss

4. Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right side

5. Dark-colored urine and pale stools

6. Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), signaling liver inflammation

7. Diarrhea (more common in types A and E)

The Cornerstones of Hepatitis Prevention

1. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B

2. Practice thorough handwashing and food safety

3. Avoid sharing needles and personal care items

4. Ensure prenatal screening and timely newborn vaccination

5. Support safe medical care and harm reduction programs

6. Maintain a liver-friendly lifestyle with balanced diet and exercise

   
   

By following these simple yet powerful steps, everyone can contribute to preventing a hepatitis crisis and fostering healthier communities worldwide.

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