Battling the Silent Epidemic: Insights from the Global Hepatitis Report 2024

Why Global Hepatitis Report in news?

• The recent release of the Global Hepatitis Report 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO) has shed light on the pervasive issue of viral hepatitis, particularly in nations like India.
• With staggering statistics and crucial insights, this  Global Hepatitis Report 2024 underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat this silent epidemic.

India’s Hepatitis Burden:

• India bears a significant burden of viral hepatitis, with an estimated 2.9 crore people living with Hepatitis B and 0.55 crore with Hepatitis C infections.
• Shockingly, over 50,000 new Hepatitis B cases and 1.4 lakh new Hepatitis C cases were reported in India in 2022 alone, resulting in 1.23 lakh deaths.
• Despite advancements in healthcare, diagnosis and treatment coverage remain abysmally low, underscoring the need for proactive measures.

Drivers of Hepatitis Infections in India:

• The transmission of Hepatitis B and C occurs through various means, including mother-to-child transmission, unsafe blood transfusions, and needle-sharing among drug users.
• Despite efforts to improve blood safety protocols, mother-to-child transmission remains a primary mode of infection for Hepatitis B.
• Addressing these drivers requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing education, prevention, and access to healthcare services.

Global Perspective:

• Globally, hepatitis continues to exact a heavy toll, with an estimated 1.3 million deaths in 2022, rivaling tuberculosis in mortality rates.
• Hepatitis B accounts for a staggering 83% of these deaths, highlighting the pressing need for targeted interventions.
• Despite a slight decline in new infections, challenges such as lack of funding and patent-related barriers persist, hindering progress in testing and treatment.

Key Facts About Hepatitis:

• Understanding the nature of hepatitis is paramount in devising effective strategies for prevention and treatment.
• With five main strains and varying modes of transmission, severity, and prevention methods, hepatitis presents a complex challenge.
• However, vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines, and education campaigns offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against this disease.

India’s Initiatives:

• India has made strides in combating hepatitis through initiatives such as the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program and the Universal Immunization Programme.
• These efforts, coupled with global campaigns like World Hepatitis Day and WHO’s aim to eliminate hepatitis by 2030, signify a collective commitment to turning the tide against this scourge.

Way Forward:

• As we navigate the path forward, it’s imperative to prioritize early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention efforts.
• Treating millions affected by hepatitis and integrating services into primary healthcare settings are crucial steps in this journey.
• By expanding funding, broadening scope, and enhancing coordination among stakeholders, we can accelerate progress towards eliminating hepatitis by 2030.

Conclusion

• The Global Hepatitis Report 2024 serves as a clarion call to action, urging governments, healthcare professionals, and communities to redouble their efforts in the fight against viral hepatitis.
• With concerted action and unwavering commitment, we can aspire to a future where hepatitis is no longer a silent threat but a conquered foe.

People also ask

Q1: What is viral hepatitis?
Ans: Viral hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by a viral infection. There are several types of viral hepatitis, including Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each caused by different viruses.

Q2: How is hepatitis transmitted?
Ans: Hepatitis can be transmitted through various means, including contaminated food or water (Hepatitis A and E), contact with infected blood or bodily fluids (Hepatitis B, C, and D), and from mother to child during childbirth (Hepatitis B and C).

Q3: What are the symptoms of hepatitis?
Ans: Symptoms of hepatitis may vary depending on the type and severity but can include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Q4: What is the Global Hepatitis Report?
Ans: The Global Hepatitis Report is a comprehensive document released by the World Health Organization (WHO) that provides an overview of the global burden of viral hepatitis, including prevalence, mortality, and efforts to control the disease.