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Viral hepatitis in India remains a critical public health challenge, as highlighted by the latest WHO report. Despite global improvements, India continues to experience high mortality rates from these infections. The 2026 Global Hepatitis Report indicates that the world is currently off track for the 2030 elimination targets. Consequently, healthcare providers must intensify efforts to address the gaps in diagnosis and treatment.
India bears a significant portion of the global disease burden. It accounts for nearly 69% of hepatitis B-related deaths and 58% of hepatitis C deaths worldwide. Currently, around 40 million people live with chronic hepatitis B in the country. Therefore, clinicians should prioritize routine screening, especially for high-risk groups. Furthermore, hepatitis B and C together cause over 95% of all hepatitis-related deaths globally. While hepatitis B infections have decreased slightly, related deaths have risen by 17%. This trend suggests that diagnosis and long-term care are still inadequate.
Several factors hinder the progress toward eliminating hepatitis by 2030. Firstly, under-diagnosis remains the most significant barrier. Many patients remain asymptomatic for years until they develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. Secondly, unsafe medical practices like needle sharing continue to spread hepatitis C. Additionally, mother-to-child transmission is a primary route for hepatitis B infections. Doctors must focus on screening during pregnancy to prevent new cases. Although affordable treatments exist, treatment compliance is often weak. Consequently, the healthcare system needs better awareness and routine screening protocols to bridge these gaps effectively.
Q1: What is the current prevalence of hepatitis B in India?
According to the 2026 estimates, India falls in the intermediate burden category with a prevalence of 2–4%, affecting nearly 40 million people.
Q2: Why is the 2030 elimination target for hepatitis C at risk?
The elimination target looks unlikely because of low awareness, weak routine screening, and inconsistent long-term treatment compliance among patients.
Q3: How can mother-to-child transmission be prevented in India?
Prevention relies on universal screening during pregnancy, timely birth-dose vaccination, and antiviral prophylaxis for expectant mothers with high viral loads.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.
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WHO's Global Hepatitis Report 2026 places India among the top burdened nations, highlighting critical gaps in screening and treatment access....
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