Time for Action

World Hepatitis Day, which is observed on July 28, serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of viral hepatitis on global health. Jammu and Kashmir, like the rest of the world, is grappling with this silent killer, which claims a life every 30 seconds globally. This year’s theme is: ‘It’s time for action’. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus – A, B, C, D, and E. Together, Hepatitis B and C are the most common infections and result in 1.3 million deaths and 2.2 million new infections per year globally. In Jammu and Kashmir, the statistics are alarming – a staggering 34.89 percent Hepatitis-C Seroprevalence and Seropositivity, over 1 percent more than the National Average. This is a cause for concern, as the region’s healthcare infrastructure is already stretched thin. The National average of Hepatitis-C Seroprevalence and Seropositivity is 33.41 percent, while Jammu and Kashmir stands at 34.89 percent, including Induced drug users (IDUs). Mission Director, National Health Mission, Jammu and Kashmir, Nazim Zai Khan, recently highlighted the severity of viral hepatitis and its impact on public health during the inauguration of a screening camp for Hepatitis B and C in Srinagar. Khan expressed concern over the high rate of Hepatitis-C in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need for the medical fraternity to tackle this challenge with dedication and generate mass awareness among high-risk categories. The high prevalence of Hepatitis-C in Jammu and Kashmir can be attributed to various factors, including lack of awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and high-risk behaviors such as induced drug use. The region’s healthcare system must be strengthened to tackle this epidemic, with a focus on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 seems daunting, but achievable with swift action. Some types of hepatitis are preventable through vaccination. A WHO study found that an estimated 4.5 million premature deaths could be prevented in low- and middle-income countries by 2030 through vaccination, diagnostic tests, medicines and education campaigns. WHO’s global hepatitis strategy, endorsed by all WHO Member States, aims to reduce new hepatitis infections. Expanding treatment eligibility, improving access to testing, and removing barriers to care are crucial steps towards achieving this goal. In Jammu and Kashmir, awareness campaigns and events were held to mark World Hepatitis Day, highlighting the need for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The region’s healthcare infrastructure must be strengthened to tackle the hepatitis epidemic. Addressing gaps in treatment and removing barriers to care is crucial to achieve the hepatitis elimination goals. The emphasis on treating adolescents and adults, expanding treatment eligibility, and recommending reflex HBV DNA testing will help improve health outcomes. Therefore, World Hepatitis Day serves as a clarion call to action for J&K to intensify efforts against viral hepatitis. By prioritizing awareness, prevention, diagnosis and treatment, the region can hope to reduce the burden of this deadly disease and move closer to the WHO’s elimination goal by 2030.