CHANDIGARH, 29.07.25-World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on 28^th July to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, a group of diseases that can severely damage your liver.This year's theme, "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down," urges us to understand this silent threat, remove barriers to care including misinformation, and work together towards a hepatitis-free future.

Hepatitis refers to an inflammation of the liver.Our liver is a vital organ, performing hundreds of essential functions, including filtering toxins, producing proteins, and aiding digestion. When the liver is damaged by hepatitis, these functions are compromised, affecting our overall health and well-being. Viral hepatitis is caused by viruses predominantly Hepatitis A, B, C, and E). Hepatitis A and E are spread through contaminated food and water (feco-oral route). Infection with these viruses causes acute onset jaundice which is usually self-limiting but can sometimes progress to acute liver failure which is potentially life threatening. On the other hand, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses are spread through infected blood or body fluid exposure including unsafe sexual and injection practices. They usually cause chronic (long-term) infections. Hepatitis B and C are “silent killers” that surreptitiously damage the liver over many years, leading to serious conditions like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), end-stage liver disease and even liver cancer.

On the occasion of World Hepatitis Day, 2025, the Department of Hepatology organised a viral hepatitis screening and information camp at the Liver Clinic in the OPD. Accompanying attendants of the patients were encouraged to participate in the viral hepatitis screening and were provided information about viral hepatitis and its importance, the routes of spread and methods of prevention. The activity will continue throughout the week.

At the outpatient liver clinic at PGIMER, Chandigarh around 800-1000 patients with chronic viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV) are seen each year who are referred from the various parts of the country informed Prof Ajay Duseja, Head, Dept of Hepatology. Our neighbouring states, particularly Punjab, is a high burden state for Hepatitis C possibly due to intravenous drug abuse. Punjab has been at the forefront of the fight against Hepatitis C and its approach of decentralising diagnosis and treatment using a hub and spoke ECHO model has been replicated not only nationally but has garnered much international attention, said Dr Sunil Taneja, Additional Professor, Dept of Hepatology. A new observation over the last few years is the increase in numbers and severity of Hepatitis A virus infection. Almost half of the acute liver failure patients admitted in the Liver ICU in the last 2-years have been due to Hepatitis A which is a cause for concern, informed Dr Madhumita Premkumar, Additional Professor, Dept of Hepatology. Hepatitis A has also been presenting atypically particularly with prolonged jaundice and itching which may require steroids and even plasma exchange (a form of blood filtration) said Dr Nipun Verma, Additional Professor, Dept of Hepatology.

Prevention: The First Line of Defence

“The good news is that viral hepatitis is largely preventable!” said Dr Arka De, Associate Professor, Dept of HepatologyHere's how you can protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Vaccination:
• Hepatitis A and B vaccines are safe and highly effective
• Newborns should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth to prevent transmission from mother to child.
• Consult your doctor to see if you need to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A or B.
2. Safe Practices:
• Maintain good hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly, especially after using the restroom and before preparing food.
• Ensure safe drinking water and food: Hepatitis A and E are often spread through contaminated water and food. Ensure that food is properly cooked. Drinking water should be filtered or adequately boiled. Eatables should be kept covered and away from flies.
• Practice safe injections:Avoid intravenous drug abuse. Seek help if you or someone you know uses injectable drugs; always use sterile needles and do not share them.¹³
• Safe piercings and tattoos:Ensure that the establishment uses new, sterilized needles, razors and equipment during tattoos, shaving and piercings
• Practice safe sex

The Crucial Need for Testing

Dr Arka De stressed that testing is the only way to know if you are infected since chronic hepatitis often has no early symptoms in the initial stages.Early diagnosis is key because it allows for timely treatment, which can prevent severe liver damage and save lives.

Many people are unaware they are infected. If you have any risk factors (e.g., history of blood transfusions before screening became common, injecting drug use, or a family history of hepatitis), or if you are pregnant, it is highly recommended to get tested. In Punjab, there has been an increased focus on screening, particularly in high-risk groups, which has helped identify more cases.

Free Treatment is Available!

A significant step forward in our fight against viral hepatitis is the availability of free testing and treatment. The Government of India, through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP), offers free services for diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis patients informed Dr Naveen Bhagat, Assistant Professor in the Dept of Hepatology. Here in Chandigarh and Punjab, the government has been a leader in this initiative. Free testing and treatment for Hepatitis B and C are available at government health facilities, including PGIMER and other medical colleges, district hospitals, and various treatment centers. This means that cost should not be a barrier to seeking care. We have seen excellent cure rates with these treatments, said Dr Babulal Meena, Assistant Professor, Department of Hepatology.

Let's Work Together

World Hepatitis Day is a reminder that we all have a role to play in eliminating hepatitis. By understanding the disease, taking preventive measures, getting tested, and encouraging those around us to do the same, we can protect our liver health and contribute to a healthier community. Let's break down the silence and stigma surrounding hepatitis and move towards a future where no one suffers from this preventable and treatable disease.