If govt acts now, India can get rid of Hepatitis B by 2080

India can eliminate Hepatitis B— a viral infection that can lead to permanent liver damage and cancer — by 2080 if the government acts now, say experts on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) observes the day on July 28 each year and the theme for this year is elimination. Globally, nearly 400mn people are affected by viral Hepatitis that is broadly categorised as water-borne A&E and blood-borne B&C.

While Hepatitis viruses A&E produce self-limiting symptoms, blood-borne viral infections B&C lead to chronic liver diseases and are a major cause of worry.

The infection, if not handled in time, may progress to liver cancer. An estimated 54 million people in India are affected by Hepatitis B&C. Since Hepatitis C has a cure, the focus is on the B virus, vaccination for which provides more than 99% protection. Expanding vaccination programmes for the same is among the key approaches to elimination of the virus. “Since maximum transmission — about 95% — happens from mother to baby, vaccination could be the key. The vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Programme since 2013 but the coverage is inadequate,” said Dr SK Sarin, director of Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS).

Three injections over a period of six to 12 months are required to provide full resistance to the virus but the government will have to ensure compliance.

According to Dr Sarin, it will take at least 65 years and a threepronged strategy for India to eliminate the Hepatitis B virus. The approach involves treating people affected by the virus free of cost, vaccinating newborns and adults, and screening people who received blood transfusion or surgery before 2001 as the blood was not screened for Hepatitis before that.

“Our average age is around 65 years, so we need to give free of cost treatment to those currently infected with the virus to prevent transmission. It’s one tablet a day for life, which can be included in the essential drugs list,” he said.

Dr Ajay Bhalla of Fortis Hospital, Noida, said: “Not just newborns, but those up to 18 years of age and people in the high-risk category should get vaccinated.”

However, getting screened is important as 95% of those infected are not aware of it. “If the government gets a bit proactive and sort of pledges that all newborns be vaccinated, then it is possible to eliminate the disease by 2080,” Dr Sarin said.