'Chronic viral hepatitis kills more than HIV, Malaria'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 27 2025: Chronic viral hepatitis is emerging as one of the world's leading causes of death, surpassing HIV and malaria, and claiming an estimated 13 lakh lives globally each year due to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, according to the 2022 World Health Organisation report.

This was stated by Institute of Liver and Digestive Sciences (ILDS) director Dr N Suraj Kumar in connection with World Hepatitis Day.

He highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness, testing, and treatment of hepatitis, par ticularly in Manipur where prevalence rates mirror the national average.

"One in every 40 Indians is living with chronic viral hepa titis, and the numbers are significantly higher among intravenous drug users in the state," he said.

There are five types of viral hepatitis - A, B, C, D and E .

While hepatitis A and E are typically waterborne and cause short-term infections such as jaundice, hepatitis B and C are chronic in nature and can lead to severe complications including liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Both Hep B and C are transmitted through blood, childbirth, and sexual contact, though not through casual contact like handshakes or sharing meals.

Dr Suraj noted that hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination and is manageable with effective drug treatment.

Hepatitis C, on the other hand, is now curable with a short oral drug regimen of three to six months, offering a success rate of up to 95 per cent.

Under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), both testing and treatment for chronic hepatitis B and C are provided free of cost across India.

However, many remain unaware of their infection due to the silent nature of the disease, which often shows no symptoms until reaching an advanced stage.

Social stigma surrounding the illness also remains a major barrier to early diagnosis, he noted.

Dr Suraj also said that despite global goals to eliminate hepatitis by 2030, India is far from target.

"As per NVHCP's 2022 report, only 2.4 per cent of hepatitis B cases and 28 per cent of hepatitis C Cases had been diagnosed, with even lower treatment coverage," he said.

This year's theme, "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down", calls for dismantling barriers to prevention and care.

Dr Suraj urged residents, especially those with past surgeries, transfusions, tattoos, or high-risk behaviour, to get tested.

He also advised drinking clean or boiled water during the monsoon season to prevent spread of hepatitis A and E, which are currently affecting many children in the state.

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