India's Hepatitis Elimination Programme

PRERNA FOR IAS

India's Hepatitis Elimination Programme: Current Status, Strategy and International Cooperation

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused mainly by hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E), although excessive alcohol use, certain medicines, toxins, and autoimmune diseases can also damage the liver. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, jaundice, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Chronic Hepatitis B and C infections can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, making them major public health concerns.

India carries a significant burden of viral hepatitis. Around 0.85% of the population is estimated to be infected with Hepatitis B, while 0.29% are affected by Hepatitis C. Viral hepatitis causes nearly 2.72 lakh deaths annually, mainly due to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

To achieve the WHO target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 (SDG 3.3), the Government of India launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) in July 2018. The programme focuses on prevention, awareness, early diagnosis, and free treatment. Hepatitis B vaccination is provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), including the crucial birth dose within 24 hours of birth. Free screening, confirmatory testing, and antiviral treatment for Hepatitis B and C are available through district hospitals and designated health facilities. The programme is integrated with the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). A digital NVHCP-MIS portal and a national toll-free helpline (1800-11-6666) support patient monitoring and public awareness.

India follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and plays an important global role by supplying affordable generic Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) medicines to many developing countries. Through strengthened vaccination, early diagnosis, digital health systems, and international cooperation, India is steadily advancing towards its goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

Analytical Questions

Question 1. Why is eliminating viral hepatitis not only a health goal but also a development goal for India?

Answer: Healthy people are more productive and place less burden on families and the healthcare system. Reducing hepatitis lowers deaths, improves workforce participation, and cuts treatment costs. It also supports Sustainable Development Goals by improving public health, reducing poverty caused by illness, and strengthening overall human development.

Question 2. Why is early diagnosis as important as treatment in controlling Hepatitis B and C?

Answer: Many infected people do not show symptoms for years. Without testing, they may unknowingly spread the infection and develop serious liver disease. Early diagnosis allows timely treatment, prevents complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer, and reduces transmission within families and communities.

Question 3. How does integrating the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme with other health programmes improve public health outcomes?

Answer: Integration reduces duplication of work and uses existing health infrastructure efficiently. Linking hepatitis services with TB, HIV, immunization, and disease surveillance programmes improves screening, treatment, and follow-up. It saves resources, expands coverage, and makes healthcare more accessible, especially in underserved areas.

Question 4. Why is India's role in supplying affordable generic antiviral medicines important at the global level?

Answer: Affordable medicines help low- and middle-income countries treat more patients. India's strong pharmaceutical industry reduces treatment costs and improves access to life-saving drugs. This strengthens global health cooperation and supports the worldwide effort to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat.

Question 5. What additional measures can help India achieve its goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030?

Answer: India should expand screening in high-risk groups, improve awareness about safe injections and blood transfusions, strengthen birth-dose vaccination coverage, and ensure uninterrupted medicine supply. Better digital tracking, community participation, and regular monitoring will help detect infections early and improve treatment success across the country.