Mohali: On the eve of World Hepatitis Day, Livasa Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali, emphasized on the importance of raising awareness on viral hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis remains a significant public health challenge globally. There are five types Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each differing in transmission modes and severity. Chronic Hepatitis B and C, in particular, pose the highest risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer if not diagnosed and treated early.
Dr. Sumeet Kainth, senior consultant-gastroenterology & hepatology at Livasa said, “In 2022, 304 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C worldwide. Globally, chronic HBV and HCV caused approximately 1.3 million deaths, nearly 3,500 deaths per day, most from cirrhosis and liver cancer. Deaths rose over 18 % from 2021 to 2022, reversing earlier gains and signaling a major concern.”
Dr. Kainth further said ,” Hepatitis B and C continue to silently damage the liver in many individuals, often without noticeable symptoms until the disease has significantly progressed. In addition, alcohol consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease remain the major contributors to liver damage in India.”
Talking about diagnosis and treatment gaps, Dr. Yogendra Kumar senior consultant-gastroenterology & hepatology said that “Only 13 % of those with chronic hepatitis B and 36 % of those with hepatitis C were diagnosed by the end of 2022. Among those diagnosed, only about 3 % of HBV and 20 % of HCV cases had received appropriate antiviral treatment. Without diagnosis and treatment, individuals remain unaware—and continue to progress toward severe liver disease or cancer.”
Speaking about prevention, Dr. Pankaj Kapoor senior consultant-gastroenterology said,” Testing, treating, vaccinating, and integrating services into primary health systems are essential. This includes ensuring birth‑dose vaccination for hepatitis B, expanding screening for high‑risk groups, providing affordable curative treatment for HCV, offering antivirals and prophylaxis to prevent HBV transmission and governments and health leaders must dedicate resources, strengthen supply chains, and remove stigma through education and supportive policies.”
Photo Caption: Dr. Yogendra Kumar (left), Dr. Sumeet Kainth ( in middle ) and Dr. Pankaj Kapoor
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