Experts push universal screening to end viral hepatitis by 2030

India has the knowledge, vaccines, diagnostics and treatments needed to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat.

The next challenge is ensuring that these lifesaving interventions reach every individual-from expectant mothers and newborns to high-risk adults-through universal screening, adult immunisation, stronger maternal healthcare, early diagnosis and equitable access to treatment, leading policymakers, hepatologists and public health experts said at the second edition of the Illness to Wellness Foundation’s conference on “Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatitis,” organised on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day 2026.

Delivering the keynote address, Rajesh Bhushan, former secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and chairperson, Governing Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, said, “India has made meaningful progress through the National

Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, but achieving greater impact will require stronger collaboration across stakeholders. Government, healthcare institutions, the private sector, civil society and development partners must work together to expand the reach of hepatitis services and ensure that quality care is available to every community.”

Delivering the welcome address, Anil Rajput, chairperson, Advisory Council, Illness to Wellness Foundation, asserted, “We believe that success demands a whole-of-society approach. Governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, industry, civil society, the media and citizens all have vital roles to play. Public health succeeds not through isolated efforts but through partnerships that place prevention at the heart of national development.

The Illness to Wellness Foundation remains committed to advancing this movement through awareness, evidence-based dialogue and collaborative action.”

The conference featured three thematic technical sessions that examined critical dimensions of hepatitis prevention and management across the continuum of care.

Other spokespersons who delivered key notes are Padma Bhushan Dr (Prof) SK Sarin, senior professor, Department of Hepatology and Director, ILBS; Asha Hegde, director, South Asia - HIV/Hepatitis/STIs and Family Health, PATH India; Dr RS Mishra, principal director and head - Internal Medicine, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, Dr Anil Agarwal, co-chairman, Institute of Surgical Gastroenterology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Dr Anita Shete-Aich, Scientist-E, Hepatitis Group, ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune and Dr Suneela Garg, member, FICCI Swasth Bharat Task Force.