In India, viral hepatitis is a major public-health challenge. Recent estimates suggest that around 29 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B and about 5.5 million with chronic hepatitis C, contributing significantly to the country’s burden of liver disease.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses (A, B, C, D, and E), heavy alcohol use, certain medicines or toxins, and other health conditions. Viral hepatitis is especially important because it can spread silently and, if untreated, lead to long-term liver damage.

Awareness is key. With the right information, preventive care, and timely treatment, people living with hepatitis can manage the disease and live healthy, full lives.

Understanding hepatitis

Viral hepatitis is grouped into five main types: A, B, C, D, and E. Each is caused by a different virus and spreads in different ways, so understanding these differences is key to prevention and treatment.

• Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food or water. They usually cause short-term illness and are more common in areas with poor sanitation.
• Hepatitis B, C, and D spread through blood and bodily fluids. These can lead to lifelong infections, liver damage, cirrhosis, or even cancer if untreated. Many people with chronic hepatitis have no symptoms until the disease becomes severe.

Early screening and public awareness can change this. Testing those at risk allows treatment and monitoring before permanent damage occurs—and helps prevent transmission to others.

The scale of the challenge

As per the recent World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Hepatitis Report 2024, India has around 29 million individuals with HBV and 5.5 million with HCV infection, placing it second among the top 10 countries with the highest burden of infections.

Hepatitis B and C are major causes of liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. In India, low vaccination rates, unsafe medical practices like reused syringes, poor sterilization, and inadequate sanitation increase exposure—especially to hepatitis A and E through contaminated water.

Many cases go undiagnosed because people aren’t aware of the risks or avoid testing. Open conversations help remove stigma and encourage healthier choices to prevent transmission.

Prevention starts with awareness. Vaccination for hepatitis B, safe food and water habits, hygienic medical practices, and healthy lifestyles can significantly reduce infection rates.

Prevention, simple steps that matter

Prevention is possible with simple but powerful steps. Vaccination offers safe, lifelong protection against hepatitis B. Since WHO recommended including hepatitis B vaccines in routine immunization programs in 1992, infection rates among children in high-risk regions have dropped to less than 2%. The vaccine is given in three doses for full protection.

Safe medical practices, using sterilized equipment, avoiding unsafe injections, and ensuring blood transfusions use screened blood, are essential to stop hepatitis B and C transmission. Health facilities must follow strict sterilization protocols and use disposable tools whenever possible.

Good hygiene, like washing hands and boiling water, helps prevent hepatitis A and E, especially in areas without clean water. Healthy habits, limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly, support liver health and build resistance to damage. Public health programs have made progress, but community awareness and shared responsibility remain the strongest defense against hepatitis.

Living with hepatitis

Living with hepatitis doesn’t mean putting life on hold, it means integrating care into everyday routines. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and sometimes antiviral treatment make managing the disease effective.

Medical advances now allow hepatitis C to be cured with timely treatment, and hepatitis B can be controlled with proper care and awareness. These breakthroughs offer hope, but they also highlight the importance of early detection. Family and caregiver support matters. With understanding and encouragement, people with hepatitis can feel empowered, not defined, by the disease.

Technology and connected care

Technology is transforming hepatitis care. Digital health apps make it easy to track records, stay in touch with doctors, and get medication reminders. Wearables monitor heart rate, activity, and sleep, while teleconsultations bring care to remote areas, reducing barriers and making treatment part of daily life.

Integrated care gives people with hepatitis more independence, less disruption, and better long-term outcomes. In India, awareness is a social responsibility. Governments, NGOs, and healthcare providers work together to spread accurate information and improve vaccine access.

The National Viral Hepatitis Control Program aims to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 through nationwide coordination, community engagement, and sustainable resources. Schools, workplaces, and families can help by promoting checkups, safe food and water habits, and open conversations.

Talking about hepatitis breaks myths and stigma, replacing fear with knowledge and judgment with support.

Moving toward stronger liver health

Hepatitis can feel invisible in many communities, but with the right information, strong prevention, and proper treatment, people can protect their liver and live well.

It starts with open conversations, at home, in schools, and at work. Talking about causes, risks, and prevention reduces stigma and encourages screening. For those living with hepatitis, support systems matter. Families and communities that offer understanding and encouragement empower patients to stay on treatment and live healthier lives. Technology also helps, keeping care accessible even in remote areas.

Every step toward awareness and support brings us closer to a future where people live confidently and with dignity.