Timely Treatment and Early Prevention: Key to Eliminate Hepatitis

Timely Treatment and Early Prevention: Key to Eliminate Hepatitis

World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28 July every year. Hepatitis — inflammation of the liver — affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. India bears a significant burden of viral hepatitis, with an estimated 40 million people living with chronic hepatitis B and 6–12 million with chronic hepatitis C. Timely treatment and early prevention are the keys to eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 — the WHO’s global target.

Types of Viral Hepatitis

• Hepatitis A — spread through contaminated food and water; usually self-limiting; vaccine-preventable

• Hepatitis B — spread through blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission; can become chronic; vaccine-preventable; treatable with antiviral therapy

• Hepatitis C — spread primarily through blood; no vaccine available; highly curable with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy (95%+ cure rate)

• Hepatitis D — only occurs in people with hepatitis B; vaccine-preventable (hepatitis B vaccine also prevents hepatitis D)

• Hepatitis E — spread through contaminated water; usually self-limiting; particularly dangerous in pregnant women

The Genetic Angle

Genetic variants influence susceptibility to hepatitis B and C infection, the likelihood of developing chronic hepatitis, the risk of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), and response to antiviral therapy. Variants in genes including HLA, IL28B (IFNL3), and PNPLA3 have been associated with hepatitis outcomes. Understanding your genetic liver health profile can help you and your doctor take targeted preventive and monitoring action.

Prevention and Screening

• Hepatitis B vaccination (recommended for all infants and unvaccinated adults)

• Safe blood transfusion and injection practices

• Hepatitis B and C screening for high-risk individuals

• Early treatment to prevent progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer