India's Fight Against Hepatitis: National Viral Hepatitis Control Program
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes
Why in news
India is systematically addressing healthcare barriers to achieve its 2030 hepatitis elimination target. The National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) has adopted a health system approach and integrated with multiple national programs to provide free testing and medicines.
Background
Hepatitis is liver inflammation caused by viruses, toxins, or autoimmune diseases. Five main hepatitis viruses exist, with types B and C being most common, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. India recognized hepatitis as a public health problem and launched NVHCP in 2018, aligning with UN SDGs.
Key facts
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, alcohol, drugs, or autoimmune diseases.
Five main hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, and E; types B and C are most common and can cause chronic disease.
Hepatitis A and E spread via fecal-oral route through contaminated food/water; no specific antiviral treatment.
Hepatitis B spreads via infected blood/body fluids; vaccine available under Universal Immunization Programme (birth dose within 24 hours, then at 6, 10, 14 weeks).
Hepatitis C spreads via blood contact (unsafe injections, needle sharing); no vaccine but curable with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in 12-24 weeks.
Hepatitis D only occurs with HBV co-infection; HBV vaccine also protects against HDV.
NVHCP provides free testing and treatment for hepatitis B and C to all in need.
Hepatitis A and E are monitored under Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
NVHCP strategies include awareness, easy access to services, and free diagnostics and medicines.
India aims to eliminate hepatitis by 2030 in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Prelims pointers
- National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) launched in 2018
- NVHCP covers hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E
- Hepatitis B vaccine under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP)
- Hepatitis C treatment: Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs)
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) monitors hepatitis A and E
- UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for hepatitis elimination by 2030
- Hepatitis B birth dose within 24 hours of birth
- Hepatitis A and E: no specific antiviral, supportive care
- Hepatitis D: only occurs with HBV, prevented by HBV vaccine
- Hepatitis C: no vaccine, but curable with DAAs
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for health sector – NVHCP as a comprehensive program
- GS2: Issues relating to development and management of health – integration of programs for disease control
- GS3: Science and technology – developments in antiviral drugs (DAAs) and vaccines
- GS2: Role of international organizations and SDGs in shaping national health policy
- GS2: Challenges in public health – awareness, access, and affordability of hepatitis services