Despite being preventable and treatable, chronic hepatitis B and C has respectively afflicted approximately 40 million and 6 to 12 million people in India with specific regions, including Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and several tribal belt areas showing notably higher prevalence rates, experts said on the eve of the World Hepatitis Day on Saturday.
These chronic infections, particularly hepatitis B, are leading to severe illnesses and deaths due to liver cancer, cirrhosis, and liver failure. The WHO 2024 Global Hepatitis Report highlights India as one of the nations with the highest global burden of hepatitis B and C.
In Southeast Asia, almost 75 percent of liver cirrhosis cases are attributed to hepatitis B and C infections, according to the WHO. On the eve of World Hepatitis Day, the WHO issued a critical call for Southeast Asian countries to intensify their efforts in providing universal access to the prevention, vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C.
Dr. Saima Wazed, the WHO's Regional Director for Southeast Asia, stressed the urgency, stating, "We have the knowledge and tools to prevent, diagnose, and treat viral hepatitis, yet people with chronic hepatitis B and C are still waiting to access the services they need. We need to accelerate efforts to deliver equitable services closer to communities, at the primary healthcare level."
In India, Dr. Apurva Pande, Consultant in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, highlighted the local situation, saying, "Hepatitis B and C are among the most common infections in India. During our clinical practice, we see a considerable number of cases from our district and surrounding areas. Especially during the monsoon season, cases of hepatitis A and E rise due to contaminated food and water."
Dr. Pande added that hepatitis B infection is more prevalent in regions such as Ladakh (12.7%), Arunachal Pradesh (21.2%), and the Nicobar Islands (23.3%), including the Shompens (37.8%) and Jarwa (65%) tribal communities. Conversely, hepatitis C is more widespread in northeastern India, among tribal populations, and in Punjab.
Dr. Praveen Kumar, CEO of Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, pointed out that "Symptoms of hepatitis can include fatigue, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin). If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a doctor."
Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin, Director and Chancellor of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in Delhi, emphasised the importance of hepatitis prevention and combating associated stigma. "The theme for this year, ‘It’s Time for Action,’ underscores the urgent need for enhanced prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies," he stated. The institute also organized events aimed to educate school children about hepatitis and its prevention.
There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus—types A, B, C, D, and E. While they all cause liver disease, they differ in transmission modes, illness severity, geographical distribution, and prevention methods.
