Hepatitis: Let Us Break It Down
World Hepatitis Day is being observed on July 28 to raise awareness of viral Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that results in a range of health issues, including liver cancer. There are five main strains of the Hepatitis virus (A to E), with Hepatitis B and C being the most common causes of death. WHO notes that Hepatitis is the second-most deadly disease after TB. Organising Hepatitis Day has an Indian link. Prof. SP Singh of SCB Medical College (in Cuttack), whose initiative led to the observation. Hepatitis was historically known as “epidemic jaundice”, with records dating back to ancient civilisations and military campaigns as early as the 8th century. People living with viral Hepatitis do not know that they are infected, live with it for many years, and have the possibility of transmitting the infection to others unknowingly. The countries most affected by viral Hepatitis are primarily located in low- and middle-income regions, with notable outbreaks also occurring in parts of Europe. India continues to face a significant burden from viral Hepatitis. Hepatitis elimination is within reach. Vaccines, curative therapies, and proven tools to stop transmission are available. Ayurveda offers supportive treatments for Hepatitis. A hepatitis-free future is achievable with concerted efforts by all countries.
We can prevent 2.8 million deaths by 2030, but only if countries act now. Hepatitis elimination is within reach. We have vaccines, curative therapies, and proven tools to stop transmission. Progress demands national commitment, smart investment, and public health systems that embed hepatitis services into primary care.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
World Hepatitis Day is being observed every year on July 28 to raise awareness of viral Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that results in a range of health issues, including liver cancer. There are five main strains of the Hepatitis virus (A to E), with Hepatitis B and C being the most common causes of death. WHO notes that Hepatitis is the second-most deadly disease after TB. The observation is an opportunity for people to come together to educate about Hepatitis and the new technologies for early diagnosis, prevention, cure and treatment that are becoming available.
Organising Hepatitis Day has an Indian link. Prof. SP Singh of SCB Medical College (in Cuttack), a highly respected gastroenterologist, took the initiative to observe July 28 as Hepatitis Day. His efforts led to the WHO endorsing the observation in 2010. Previously, World Hepatitis Day was celebrated on different days. July 28 was chosen to celebrate the birthday of Nobel Laureate Baruch Samuel Blumberg, discoverer of the Hepatitis B virus.
The origin of hepatitis viruses is a complex and fascinating story. Hepatitis was historically known as “epidemic jaundice”, with records dating back to ancient civilisations and military campaigns as early as the 8th century. During the wars, outbreaks of “campaign jaundice” were common among soldiers, later identified as hepatitis A and B.
Viral Hepatitis is contagious and a global epidemic that can affect millions of people without their knowledge. People living with viral Hepatitis do not know that they are infected and live with it for many years before it manifests in severe implications to the health of the liver and the possibility of transmitting the infection to others unknowingly. Early diagnosis is the first step to accessing life-saving treatment and preventing liver cancer.
WHO estimates put the number of people living with chronic Hepatitis at 304 million. It causes ~1.3 million deaths every year; that is 3500 deaths every day. Chronic Hepatitis B and C silently cause liver damage and cancer. A report estimates the number at ~6,000 new infections daily.
The countries most affected by viral Hepatitis are primarily located in low- and middle-income regions, with notable outbreaks also occurring in parts of Europe. Although prevalence has a global presence, there are variations in the prevalence of different types of Hepatitis. A high prevalence of Hepatitis B is observed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Countries like China, Indonesia, and Vietnam have large populations living with chronic Hepatitis B and C. Russia, Ukraine, and neighbouring countries face high rates of Hepatitis C. Egypt has historically had one of the highest Hepatitis C burdens globally. A multi-country outbreak of Hepatitis A has been reported in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, and Slovakia, particularly affecting vulnerable groups.
India continues to face a significant burden from viral Hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C. An estimated 29 million people live with chronic Hepatitis B (with higher rates in rural areas). An estimated 5.5 million people are infected with Hepatitis C (more common in urban areas). India launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP), a step towards reducing the Hepatitis burden.
While Hepatitis viruses most commonly cause the disease, it is also caused by excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic Hepatitis) and exposure to some industrial organic solvents. In some rare cases, the white blood cells attack the liver, causing chronic inflammation and damage (autoimmune Hepatitis).
Hepatitis elimination is within reach. Vaccines, curative therapies, and proven tools to stop transmission are available. Only 45% of babies received the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth in 2022. Most cases go undiagnosed until it’s too late. Investing in timely diagnosis and integrated, people-centred care will save lives and stop liver cancer before it starts. Though Ayurveda does not claim a definitive cure, it offers supportive treatments for Hepatitis, especially for managing symptoms, improving liver function, and restoring balance in the body.
A hepatitis-free future is achievable with concerted efforts by all countries. The WHO has called on all countries to work towards eliminating viral Hepatitis by 2030. It is included in the SDGs as part of a global Hepatitis strategy to eliminate the disease.
Hepatitis Can Not Wait, Because Every Life Matters.
Awareness, Prevention, and Timely Treatment Can Save Millions.
Toons: Anusha and Reema
Logs: M Sai Baba
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