Every year on 28 July, the world comes together to observe World Hepatitis Day, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about viral hepatitis and encouraging people to get tested and treated before the disease causes irreversible liver damage.
The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2026 is "Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down." The message behind this year's campaign is simple but urgent—remove every barrier that prevents people from accessing hepatitis testing, treatment and care. These barriers may include lack of awareness, social stigma, delayed diagnosis, poor access to healthcare and inequalities that leave millions without lifesaving services.
The campaign also highlights an important fact: the tools needed to eliminate viral hepatitis already exist. Safe vaccines, reliable diagnostic tests, effective treatments for Hepatitis C and lifelong antiviral therapy for Hepatitis B have made it possible to prevent infections, reduce liver-related complications and save lives. What is needed now is greater awareness, stronger political commitment and better access to healthcare so that these benefits reach everyone.
India's Progress Towards Hepatitis Elimination
India has committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), hepatitis prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment have been integrated into the country's public healthcare system. According to official data, the programme has already screened more than 21 crore people and provided treatment to nearly 6.12 lakh patients with Hepatitis B and C through 1,153 treatment centres across the country. Free diagnostic services and medicines are being made available under the programme, reflecting India's efforts to make hepatitis care more accessible and equitable.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. While it is most commonly caused by viral infections, the condition can also develop because of excessive alcohol consumption, certain medicines, exposure to toxic substances or autoimmune diseases. The liver performs hundreds of essential functions, including removing toxins from the body, storing nutrients and helping digestion. When it becomes inflamed, these functions may be affected. In some people, hepatitis is a short-term illness that resolves on its own. In others, especially when left undiagnosed or untreated, it can gradually progress to liver fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, liver failure or even liver cancer. One of the biggest challenges is that hepatitis often develops silently. Many people experience no symptoms in the early stages and may not realise they are infected until significant liver damage has already occurred.
Understanding the Five Types of Hepatitis
Scientists have identified five major hepatitis viruses - Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Although all of them infect the liver, each one spreads differently and has its own pattern of illness, prevention and treatment.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is mainly spread through contaminated food or drinking water. The virus is present in the stool of an infected person and usually spreads where sanitation and hygiene are poor. Certain sexual practices may also transmit the infection.
Most people recover completely without developing long-term liver disease and become naturally immune to future infection. However, in some cases, particularly among older adults or people with pre-existing liver disease, Hepatitis A can become severe and even life-threatening. Fortunately, safe and effective vaccines are available and provide excellent protection.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B spreads through infected blood, semen and other body fluids. A mother with Hepatitis B can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth, while transmission can also occur during early childhood through close household contact. Other routes include contaminated blood transfusions, unsafe injections, improperly sterilised medical equipment and sharing needles.
Healthcare workers are also vulnerable to infection through accidental needle-stick injuries while caring for infected patients. Unlike Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B can become a chronic disease. If it remains untreated, it may gradually damage the liver and increase the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. The good news is that a highly effective vaccine is available and remains the best defence against the disease.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood. Unsafe blood transfusions, contaminated injections, sharing needles and improperly sterilised medical equipment remain the most common sources of infection. Although sexual transmission is possible, it is much less common. A major concern with Hepatitis C is that it often produces no symptoms for many years. During this silent period, the virus may continue damaging the liver without the person's knowledge. Unlike Hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine against Hepatitis C. However, modern antiviral medicines can cure the infection in most patients if it is diagnosed early.
Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is unique because it can infect only people who already have Hepatitis B. Without the Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis D cannot survive. When both viruses infect a person together, the disease tends to be much more severe and the risk of serious liver damage increases. Vaccination against Hepatitis B also protects people from Hepatitis D infection.
Hepatitis E
Like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E is usually spread through contaminated food and drinking water. It is a common cause of hepatitis outbreaks in countries where access to safe drinking water and sanitation remains limited, although cases are increasingly being reported in developed countries as well. Most patients recover fully, but the infection can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, who are at a higher risk of developing severe disease. Vaccines against Hepatitis E have been developed, but they are not yet widely available in many parts of the world.
Recognising the Warning Signs
Not everyone with hepatitis develops symptoms immediately, which is why the disease is often called a "silent" infection. When symptoms do appear, they may include yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark-coloured urine, persistent fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and, in some cases, fever.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms, or those who believe they may have been exposed to the virus, should seek medical advice and get tested.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
Preventing hepatitis begins with awareness and timely action. Health experts recommend getting tested for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, particularly if you have risk factors or belong to a high-risk group. Pregnant women should undergo routine Hepatitis B screening so that timely treatment can reduce the risk of passing the infection to their babies.
Vaccination also plays a crucial role. Newborn babies should receive the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine within 24 hours of birth, followed by the complete childhood vaccination schedule. Maintaining good hygiene, drinking safe water, avoiding the sharing of needles or personal items that may come into contact with blood and seeking prompt medical care when symptoms appear can further reduce the risk of infection. Equally important is addressing the stigma surrounding hepatitis. Sharing accurate information and encouraging early testing can help more people receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
Viral hepatitis remains one of the leading causes of liver disease and liver cancer worldwide, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable public health challenges. With greater awareness, timely vaccination, early diagnosis and access to effective treatment, millions of infections and deaths can be prevented. This World Hepatitis Day, the message is clear: don't wait for symptoms—know your status, protect your liver and encourage others to do the same.
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