Breaking the Silence on Hepatitis: Expert Insights from Dr. Sandeep Kumar on World Hepatitis Day

World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness about viral hepatitis—an inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe liver disease and liver cancer. The condition is primarily caused by five viruses: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.

The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2025, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), is "Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down". The campaign urges global efforts to dismantle the financial, social, and systemic barriers, including stigma, that obstruct the path to hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention.

According to WHO, low testing and vaccination rates remain key drivers of hepatitis prevalence worldwide. The choice of 28 July as the observance date honors Dr. Baruch Blumberg, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovered the hepatitis B virus and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for it. WHO aims for the complete elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030, which can only be achieved by expanding access to vaccination and testing, along with increasing public awareness.

MedBound Times connected with Dr. Sandeep Kumar, Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist at Velmed Hospital, Dehradun, to discuss the current hepatitis situation in India.

Dr. Kumar completed his MBBS from King George’s Medical University, Lucknow (2011), and later earned a DM in Hepatology from Christian Medical College, Vellore (2022).

Dr. Kumar emphasizes that the liver is a vital organ that works silently and tirelessly to maintain our health, yet it is vulnerable to a hidden but potentially fatal threat—viral hepatitis.

“In India, this is a particularly urgent concern,” he explains, “with nearly 3.5 crore people living with Hepatitis B and C infections. This makes India the second most affected country globally. The alarming reality is that most individuals are unaware they are infected until serious liver damage, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, has already developed. Tragically, over 1.23 lakh deaths were attributed to viral hepatitis in India in 2022 alone.”

Fortunately, there is hope. A safe and effective vaccine for Hepatitis B is available and particularly important for newborns. However, only 45% of infants in India currently receive the critical birth dose. In addition, affordable and highly effective medicines can now cure Hepatitis C in just a few weeks.

“By understanding how these viruses spread through unsafe practices, getting a simple blood test, and seeking timely treatment if diagnosed,” Dr. Kumar says, “we can protect our livers, prevent silent progression to liver disease and cancer, and ensure a healthier future for all.”

When it comes to Hepatitis A and E, prevention focuses on hygiene and sanitation. These viruses are usually spread through the fecal-oral route, often via contaminated food or water. Key preventive measures include:

• Thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before handling food

• Access to safe drinking water

• Eating only thoroughly cooked food

• Avoiding raw or undercooked items that could harbor the viruses

• Being vigilant about food and drink hygiene while traveling, especially to areas with inadequate sanitation

MedBound Times is grateful to Dr. Sandeep Kumar for sharing his insights on this important health awareness day.

_MSM