10-April-2024-Special-Article

GLOBAL HEPATITIS REPORT 2024 

The recently released Global Hepatitis Report 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed light on India’s significant burden of viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and C infections.  

India’s Hepatitis Burden: 

Prevalence in India: 

• India bears one of the highest burdens of viral hepatitis globally. 
• Approximately 2.9 crore people in India are living with Hepatitis B infection, and 0.55 crore with Hepatitis C infection. 
• In 2022, over 50,000 new cases of Hepatitis B and 1.4 lakh new cases of Hepatitis C were reported in India. 
• Viral hepatitis infections claimed the lives of 1.23 lakh individuals in India in 2022. 

Drivers of Hepatitis Infections in India: 

• Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through various means, including mother-to-child transmission, unsafe blood transfusions, contact with infected blood, and needle-sharing among drug users. 
• Despite improvements in blood safety protocols, mother-to-child transmission remains a significant mode of Hepatitis B infection in India. 

Diagnosis and Treatment Coverage: 

• Only 2.4% of Hepatitis B cases and 28% of Hepatitis C cases in India are diagnosed. 
• Treatment coverage is notably low, with 0% coverage for Hepatitis B and 21% for Hepatitis C, despite the availability of affordable generic medicines. 

Barriers to Improving Hepatitis Outcomes: 

• Limited reach and utilization of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program in India. 
• Expansion of access to affordable diagnostics and treatment services under the program is essential. 
• Treating all diagnosed individuals, irrespective of disease stage, is crucial to reduce health consequences and transmission. 

Global Trends: 

Mortality Trends: 

• Viral hepatitis caused an estimated 1.3 million deaths globally in 2022, equivalent to tuberculosis-related deaths. 
• Hepatitis B accounted for 83% of these deaths, while Hepatitis C accounted for 17%. 
• The increase in mortality suggests a rise in hepatitis-related liver cancer cases and deaths. 

Prevalence: 

• Globally, approximately 304 million people were living with hepatitis B and C in 2022. 
• WHO estimates indicate that 254 million people lived with hepatitis B, and 50 million with hepatitis C in the same year. 
• Children bear 12% of the burden, particularly for hepatitis B infections. 

Barriers to Scaling Up Testing and Treatment: 

• Limited funding and centralized services have hindered the scaling up of testing services globally. 
• Many countries struggle to procure hepatitis medicines at affordable generic prices, resulting in high costs. 
• Patent-related barriers pose challenges to accessing affordable hepatitis C medicines in some countries. 

About Hepatitis 

Hepatitis is a liver inflammation caused by infectious viruses or non-infectious agents, leading to a range of health complications, including liver cirrhosis and cancer.  

Types and Characteristics 

Viral Strains: 

• Hepatitis is classified into five main viral strains: A, B, C, D, and E. 
• Each strain varies in transmission routes, severity, geographical distribution, and prevention methods. 
• Types B and C are predominant causes of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and hepatitis-related deaths globally. 

India’s Initiatives 

National Viral Hepatitis Control Program: 

• Aims to reduce hepatitis prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality through prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. 

National Health Mission: 

• Supports the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program by enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services across India. 

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): 

• Focuses on vaccinating children against hepatitis B to prevent transmission and reduce the disease burden in India. 

Global Efforts 

World Hepatitis Day: 

• An annual observance on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, promote prevention, and encourage testing and treatment. 

WHO Elimination of Hepatitis by 2030: 

• A global initiative to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 through comprehensive strategies, including vaccination, testing, treatment, and awareness campaigns. 

Mains Question: 

1. Discuss the key findings of the Global Hepatitis Report 2024, and the significance of national and global initiatives in combating this public health challenge. (150 WORDS)