India’s Hepatitis Elimination Efforts
Health · Wednesday, 29 July 2026
India accelerated interventions under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Hepatitis includes five viral strains (A–E) with varying transmission modes and complications.
Quick highlights
- Five strains: A, B, C, D, E.
- B and C cause majority of chronic deaths.
- HDV infects only with HBV.
- Vaccines for HAV, HBV, HEV; DAAs cure >95% HCV.
- 304 million live with chronic HBV/HCV globally.
Context
India aims to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030 under NVHCP.
Key Facts
Enteric (A,E) via fecal-oral route; Parenteral (B,C,D) via blood/body fluids. Chronic cases lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Significance
Hepatitis B and C cause over 1.3 million deaths annually worldwide.
Challenges / Way Forward
High undiagnosed burden; need for screening, vaccination, safe injection practices, and DAA access.
Exam Angle
GS II: Public health; Prelims: transmission modes, vaccines, HDV satellite nature.
Remember this
- Five strains A–E.
- HDV requires HBV.
- DAAs cure >95% HCV.
- 1.3 million global deaths annually.