WHO Report Highlights Alarming Burden of Hepatitis in India

India's Burden

• India ranks among the nations with the highest burden of viral hepatitis, with an estimated 2.9 crore people living with Hepatitis B and 0.55 crore with Hepatitis C.
• In 2022 alone, over 50,000 new cases of Hepatitis B and 1.4 lakh cases of Hepatitis C were reported, resulting in 1.23 lakh deaths.
• Transmission occurs through various means, including mother-to-child transmission and unsafe blood transfusions.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Alarmingly, only 2.4% of Hepatitis B cases and 28% of Hepatitis C cases are diagnosed in India.
• Treatment coverage remains low, at 0% for Hepatitis B and 21% for Hepatitis C, despite affordable generic medicines.

Global Scenario

• Globally, viral hepatitis caused 1.3 million deaths in 2022, with Hepatitis B accounting for 83% and Hepatitis C for 17%.
• The number of new infections declined from 2.5 million in 2019 to 2.2 million in 2022, but mortality rates continue to rise.

Key Facts About Hepatitis

• Hepatitis, caused by infectious viruses, can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer.
• Vaccination, diagnostics, and medicines can prevent millions of premature deaths by 2030.
• WHO's global strategy aims to reduce new infections by 90% and deaths by 65% by 2030.

India’s Initiatives

• National Viral Hepatitis Control Program and Universal Immunization Programme aim to combat the disease.
• Integration of hepatitis services into primary healthcare settings is crucial for broadening access.

Global Efforts

World Hepatitis Day and WHO's elimination goal by 2030 drive global action against the disease.

Way Forward

• Targeted efforts, early diagnosis, and treatment initiation are vital for progress.
• Expansion and enhancement of national programs are imperative to mitigate the burden effectively.
• As India grapples with the daunting challenge posed by viral hepatitis, concerted efforts at national and global levels are essential to curb the disease's impact and save lives.