WHO Report Unveils Alarming Trends

On 9th April 2024, the World Health Organization's Global Hepatitis Report sheds light on India's significant burden of viral hepatitis, raising concerns despite decreasing incidence.

Key Points

Global Burden of Viral Hepatitis: Despite a decline in new cases globally, viral hepatitis remains a major public health concern, claiming 1.3 million lives in 2022.
India's Disturbing Statistics: India ranks second globally in viral hepatitis prevalence, with over 11% of the burden, trailing only China.
Low Diagnosis and Treatment Rates: The report highlights alarmingly low diagnosis and treatment rates for hepatitis B and C in India, posing challenges in disease management.
Transmission and Impact: Hepatitis B and C, primarily blood-borne, pose significant health risks, including liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
Prevention and Treatment: While hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, and hepatitis C can be cured with medication, access to diagnosis and treatment remains limited in India.
Challenges in Control: India faces challenges in ensuring universal vaccination, timely treatment initiation, and effective management of viral hepatitis cases.
Comparative Response: Disparities exist between viral hepatitis and tuberculosis (TB) control efforts, with hepatitis receiving less attention despite comparable mortality rates.