India’s Struggle Against Hepatitis: A Comprehensive Overview
India: A Key Player in the Global Fight Against Hepatitis
In 2022, India bore a staggering 11.6% share of the world’s hepatitis burden, as indicated by the 2024 Global Hepatitis Report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). This daunting statistic translates into over 35.3 million cases of hepatitis within the nation’s borders, comprising 29.8 million cases of hepatitis B and 5.5 million cases of hepatitis C.
India’s Significant Contribution to Global Hepatitis Cases
Ranked second only to China, India contributed a significant 27.5% to the global hepatitis caseload, amounting to a staggering 83.8 million cases in 2022. Among the top ten nations listed in the report, including Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the Russian Federation, India and China together accounted for nearly two-thirds of the global hepatitis burden.
Rising Mortality Rates: A Cause for Concern
The WHO report highlighted a concerning trend of increasing mortality rates due to hepatitis, rising from 1.1 million deaths in 2019 to 1.3 million deaths in 2022 globally. Notably, hepatitis B was responsible for 83% of these fatalities, while hepatitis C contributed to 17% of the deaths. This underscores the severity of the issue, with hepatitis emerging as the second leading infectious cause of death worldwide, following closely behind tuberculosis.
Understanding Hepatitis: Types and Impact
The hepatitis virus comprises five main strains, categorized as types A, B, C, D, and E, each posing distinct challenges in terms of transmission, severity, and geographical prevalence. Hepatitis B and C, in particular, are known to lead to chronic diseases, resulting in liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and ultimately, death. These two strains collectively account for the majority of hepatitis-related mortalities globally.
Efforts in Prevention and Treatment
Despite the grim statistics, there have been notable strides in diagnosis and treatment. The number of diagnosed cases declined from 2.5 million in 2019 to 2.2 million in 2022, attributed partly to the effectiveness of immunization and safe injection practices. However, with approximately 304 million individuals still living with viral hepatitis B and C, there remains an urgent need to strengthen preventive measures and expand access to treatment.
Regional Disparities and Challenges
Regional variations persist in the fight against hepatitis, with the WHO African Region bearing the brunt of new hepatitis B infections. Alarmingly, only 18% of newborns in the region receive the hepatitis B vaccination at birth, highlighting gaps in preventive care. Globally, the vaccination coverage remains inadequate, with only 45% of infants receiving the vaccine within 24 hours of birth.
Opportunities for Improvement
The report underscores the need for improved diagnosis and treatment linkage, with only a small fraction of individuals living with chronic hepatitis B and C receiving appropriate care. Furthermore, addressing the transmission of hepatitis C through injecting drug use and unsafe medical practices is imperative, with countries like Pakistan facing significant challenges in this regard.
Conclusion
India’s battle against hepatitis reflects a broader global challenge that demands concerted efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. By addressing gaps in vaccination coverage, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and promoting safer medical practices, nations can mitigate the impact of hepatitis and move towards a healthier future for all.
