30-March-2024-Editorial

HEPATITIS B IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN IN INDIA

Hepatitis, characterized by liver inflammation, poses a significant health concern globally, with various causes including viral infections and lifestyle factors.

About Hepatitis:

• Definition: Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, which can occur due to viral infections, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, or autoimmune responses.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms of hepatitis include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain, and jaundice.
• Causes: Hepatitis can be caused by hepatotropic viruses (A, B, C, D, E), other viral infections like varicella, drug and alcohol misuse, fatty liver hepatitis, or autoimmune responses.

Types of Hepatitis:

Hepatitis A virus (HAV):

• Transmitted through contaminated food or water.
• Preventable with vaccines.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV):

• Transmitted from mother to child, through early childhood contact, or via sex or unsafe injections.
• Preventable with vaccines.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV):

• Primarily transmitted through unsafe healthcare, blood transfusions, injection drug use, and sexual practices.
• Curable with Direct-acting antiviral medicines (DAAs).

Hepatitis D virus (HDV):

• Occurs in individuals with chronic HBV infection.
• Prevention through hepatitis B immunization.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV):

• Prevalent in East and South Asia, transmitted through contaminated water.
• Vaccine available in some countries.

Government Initiatives to Tackle Hepatitis:

National Viral Hepatitis Control Program:

• Aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat in India by 2030.

Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):

• Offers free vaccination against Hepatitis B along with other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Recommendations for Improved Awareness and Prevention:

Public Education Campaigns:

• Launch comprehensive public education campaigns to raise awareness about Hepatitis B transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures.

Community Outreach Programs:

• Conduct community outreach programs in collaboration with healthcare providers to disseminate information about Hepatitis B and encourage vaccination.

School and Workplace Initiatives:

• Integrate Hepatitis B education and vaccination programs into school and workplace health initiatives to reach a wider audience.

Healthcare Provider Training:

• Provide training to healthcare providers to enhance their knowledge about Hepatitis B diagnosis, treatment, and counselling.

Accessible Testing and Vaccination Centres:

• Establish accessible testing and vaccination centres across the country to ensure easy access to diagnostic services and vaccines.