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India's hepatitis programme nears its 2030 elimination goal
PIB India··29 Jul
India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme aims to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, linking with immunisation, HIV and tuberculosis services nationwide. Government surveillance data found about 0.85 percent of people testing positive for hepatitis B and 0.29 percent for hepatitis C. Newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine dose within 24 hours of birth.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Free hepatitis B and C testing and treatment are available at government health centres for anyone who wants to check their status.
- Pregnant women are screened for hepatitis B under maternal health programmes, and newborns get a vaccine dose within 24 hours of birth.
- Healthcare workers and other high risk groups can access dedicated screening and vaccination through the National AIDS Control Programme.
What's Happening
- India launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme in 2018 to offer free screening, diagnostics and drugs nationwide for hepatitis B and C.
- Government surveillance data found roughly 1 in 118 people tested positive for hepatitis B and 1 in 345 for hepatitis C.
- Services are expanding from district hospitals to local health centres, supported by a toll free helpline at 1800-11-6666.
Why Two Viruses Get Different Treatment
- Hepatitis A and E spread mainly through contaminated food or water and are usually self limiting without specific antiviral treatment.
- Hepatitis B spreads mainly from mother to child at birth or through blood, and its vaccine also protects against related hepatitis D infection.
- Hepatitis C, once incurable, is now cured in 12 to 24 weeks in nearly all patients using modern antiviral drug regimens.
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