Hepatitis

According to the WHO Global Hepatitis Report 2026, India continues to remain among the countries with the highest burden of hepatitis-related deaths, highlighting a persistent public health challenge. The report underlines that despite progress in vaccination and treatment, viral hepatitis remains a major global health threat, especially in low and middle-income countries.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver that can result from infectious agents, toxins, drugs, or autoimmune reactions. While viral infections are the most common cause, hepatitis can also arise due to alcohol consumption, medication toxicity, or autoimmune disorders, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells.

In autoimmune hepatitis, the immune system produces antibodies against liver tissue, leading to chronic inflammation and progressive liver damage if untreated.

Symptoms of Hepatitis

The disease often develops gradually and may remain undetected in early stages. Common symptoms include fatigue, flu-like illness, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, patients may develop jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, along with unexplained weight loss.

Types of Hepatitis

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and usually presents as an acute, short-term infection. It is commonly transmitted through contaminated food and water and does not typically lead to chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and can become a chronic, long-term infection. It is one of the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide, making it a major public health concern.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and is a major bloodborne infection. It often becomes chronic and can silently damage the liver over time, eventually leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer if untreated.

Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D is a rare form of hepatitis that occurs only in individuals already infected with Hepatitis B, as it requires the presence of HBV to replicate. It leads to more severe liver disease compared to Hepatitis B alone.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E is a waterborne viral infection caused by contaminated drinking water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. It is usually acute but can be dangerous in pregnant women, where it may lead to severe complications.

Treatment and Prevention

Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing hepatitis. Effective vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B, and indirectly for Hepatitis D, since its prevention depends on controlling Hepatitis B infection.

However, there are currently no vaccines for Hepatitis C and Hepatitis E, making prevention through safe blood practices, sanitation, and hygiene extremely important. Treatment options vary, ranging from antiviral drugs for chronic infections to supportive care for acute cases.

India’s Public Health Concern

The WHO report highlights that India continues to face a high burden of undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis cases, particularly Hepatitis B and C. Challenges include:

• Limited screening and early diagnosis

• Low awareness in rural populations

• Gaps in vaccination coverage and healthcare access

• High risk of progression to liver cirrhosis and cancer

Conclusion

Hepatitis remains a major global and national health challenge despite being largely preventable and treatable in many forms. Strengthening vaccination coverage, improving sanitation, expanding screening programmes, and ensuring affordable treatment are essential steps to reduce India’s hepatitis burden and achieve global WHO elimination targets