Dimapur has the highest prevalence of Hepatitis B & C as well as Hepatitis B among pregnant women, perhaps owing to the cosmopolitan population. This was disclosed during the observance of World Hepatitis Day at Kohima, held at Directorate of Health a Family Welfare’s conference hall today.

Mission Director, National Health Mission, Dr. Avile Zao, in her address highlighted Nagaland’s Hepatitis infection scenario in 2024-25 stating that Hepatitis B infection was 2.4%, Hepatitis C infection was 4.01%, while pregnant women Hepatitis B infection was 0.8%.

She mentioned that screening of Hepatitis B & C are available in all Government hospitals including Health and Wellness Centre, free viral loading testing of Hepatitis B & C are also available in all District Hospitals along with free treatment for Hepatitis B & C and Hepatitis B vaccination is provided free of cost through Routine Immunization for all infants.

She further mentioned that Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin for infants born to Hepatitis B positive mothers are being provided free of cost by NVHCP therefore advised all pregnant women to undergo Hepatitis B testing during ANC.

Dwelling on the theme, “Hepatitis; Let’s Break It”, she said it is a powerful call to break the silence, stigma and the chain of transmission of Hepatitis. Stating that Hepatitis affects millions worldwide,  she said many still remain unaware of its dangers, modes of transmission and available treatment.

Dr Zao further explained what Hepatitis is, how it spreads, its impact on our health and encouraging steps being taken in Nagaland, including free testing, treatment and vaccination.

She mentioned that Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver which is most commonly caused by viral infections, but can also be caused by toxins, autoimmune diseases, and other factors. Viral hepatitis includes five main types: A, B, C, D, and E and the symptoms can range from mild and flu-like to severe, (including) jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and in chronic cases, liver damage, cirrhosis, or cancer.

She also elaborated on the preventable methods stating that vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B. She also spoke on safe sex practices to reduce risk of Hepatitis B and C transmission, to avoid contaminated food and water to prevent Hepatitis A and E, to avoid sharing needles to prevent transmission of Hepatitis B, C, and D, and safe food handling to prevent spread of Hepatitis A and E.

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Delivering the keynote address, Principal Director, Health  & Family Welfare, Dr Mereninla Senlen highlighted the significance of World Hepatitis Day and said that it given an opportunity to step up efforts on Hepatitis. She also encouraged individuals, partners and public to take precautionary actions and stressed on the need for a greater response towards the cause.

The Principal Director further stated that on July 28, the birthday of Noble Prize winner scientist, Dr Baruch Blumberg, discovered Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for the virus. She added that World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28 to raise awareness on viral Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and liver cancer.

Speaking on the theme, she underscored that it call to dismantle barriers such as financial, social and systematic obstacles that prevent the elimination of Hepatitis and prevention of liver cancer. It also highlights the importance of simplifying and expanding access to vaccination, safe injection practices, testing and treatment.

With the launching of National Viral Hepatitis Control Program in the country in 2018 as a National Health Program, Dr. Mereninla highlighted that Nagaland state also introduced NVHCP in 2019 and since then, NHM Nagaland has been continuously working towards the SDG elimination goals of viral Hepatitis by 2030.According to World Health Organization, globally 304 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B & C in 2022 while it maybe be mentioned that Only 45% babies received hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours after birth in 2022. Around 1.3 million people died of chronic hepatitis B & C in 2022. Chronic Hepatitis B & C silently cause liver damage and cancer.

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver which is most commonly caused by viral infections, but can also be caused by toxins, autoimmune diseases, and other factors. Viral Hepatitis includes five main types: A, B, C, D, and E. Symptoms can range from mild and flu-like to severe, (including) jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and in chronic cases, liver damage, cirrhosis, or cancer.

Types and Causes:

Hepatitis A & E: Primarily spread through contaminated food or water c throya (faecal-oral transmission).

Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted through infected blood, semen, and other bodily fluids.

Hepatitis C (HCV): Primarily spread through contact with infected blood.

Hepatitis D (HDV): Occurs only in individuals already infected with Hepatitis B.

Non-viral Hepatitis: by autoimmune disorders (autoimmune Hepatitis), excessive alcohol consumption (alcoholic Hepatitis), or certain medications or toxins (drug-induced Hepatitis).

Symptoms:

 Acute Hepatitis:  Causes fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

Chronic Hepatitis: Can be asymptomatic for years, with symptoms developing as liver damage progresses causing fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, and in advanced stages, cirrhosis and liver failure.

Complications: Chronic hepatitis B and C can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Prevention:

• Vaccines are available for Hepatitis A and B.
• Safe Sex Practices to reduce risk of Hepatitis B and C transmission.
• Avoid Contaminated Food and Water to prevent Hepatitis A and E.
• Avoid Sharing Needles to prevent transmission of Hepatitis B, C, and D.
• Safe Food Handling to prevent spread of hepatitis A and E.