Viral hepatitis is emerging as
an important global public health challenge. Infectious diseases such as HIV
and TB have been the hot topics for discussion, but, according to the World
Health Organization (WHO), viral hepatitis is the 2nd major killer infectious
disease after tuberculosis (TB), and 9 times more people are infected with
hepatitis than HIV. Viral hepatitis is now the 7th most important cause of
death worldwide, as per the World Hepatitis Alliance, moving up three ranks
from the 10th position in 1990.
Hepatitis is preventable,
treatable and in the case of hepatitis C, curable. Yet its prevalence is
rising. This is because in its early stages, viral hepatitis is mostly
asymptomatic. Many people are unaware that they are infected because jaundice
appears only in the later stages. But asymptomatic patients are as infectious
as those who have symptoms. This scenario highlights the role of “silent
transmission” in spread of the disease.
It is very important to not
underestimate the threat of hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis is being
recognized as a major public health problem in India as well. Hepatitis A
and E viruses are important causes of acute viral hepatitis and acute liver
failure. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
accounts for a large percentage of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and
cirrhosis in the country.
Viral hepatitis and HIV
coinfection is a common problem and challenging to treat. Progression of liver
disease is faster in individuals with HIV and viral hepatitis coinfection and
they may not respond as well to treatment; they are also at increased risk for
serious, life-threatening health complications. Hence, all people living with
HIV should be tested for hepatitis B and C infections as well.
This year, in February, the
government launched the National Action Plan - Viral Hepatitis, which
provides a strategic framework, based on which National Viral Hepatitis
Control Program was framed and launched last year on this day. The aim
is to eliminate viral hepatitis in the country by 2030, achieve significant
reduction in the infected population, morbidity and mortality associated with
Hepatitis B and C viz. cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis A
and E (Press Information Bureau, February 24, 2019).
The program offers free drugs
and diagnostics for hepatitis B and C besides preventive and promotive
interventions, the need of the hour. Timely diagnosis means the disease can be
cured.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand have become the first countries in
WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve Hepatitis B control, with the prevalence
falling to less than 1% among five-year-old children.
We hope India too would soon join this list and in a step further,
eliminate viral hepatitis from the country.
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri Awardee
President Elect Confederation of
Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania
(CMAAO)
Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications
President Heart Care Foundation of
India
Past National President
IMA
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