Awareness is the Key to Conquering Hepatitis in India

Of the several special “reminder” days that are scattered across the yearly calender, 19^th May has been declared World Hepatitis Awareness Day. Some may argue if this yet another “Day” was indeed necessary, now that we already have so many that it is hard to remember.

If World AIDS day (December 1) can be celebrated with such gaiety and World Malaria day (April 25) with such feverishness, Hepatitis surely deserves much more! While only 0.3 % of the Indian population is infected with the HIV virus, atleast 10 times more (3%) harbour the Hepatitis B infection. And with 1% of the Indian population harbouring Hepatitis C (3 fold more than HIV), around 4% of us harbour one of the 2 chronic Hepatitis infections. And most of us do not know about it, as it takes almost 20 years before symptoms and signs of liver disease appear!

Strangely, Hepatitis, especially Hepatitis B, has become a glaring example of the disconnect betweent progress in scientific research and its impact on our society. If small pox could be eradicated because of a very effective vaccine and polio seems to be on its way out for the same reason, Hepatitis B ‘s case for eradication is equally strong. The recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine is considered to be the safest and most effective of all vaccines. Further the exorbitant price of Rs 500 per dose at which the vaccine was initially priced has come down to Rs 20 per dose, offering a life time protection at Rs 60 for 3 doses.

What needs to be achieved now is more through awareness and action rather than science that World Hepatitis Awareness day is aiming at. The theme  “Am I number 12?” will  remind people that every 12^th person in the world is infected with hepatitis. And if diagnosed on time, the infection is treatablem as well.

To tackle this problem, several liver specialists from SGPGI, doctors from UP and philanthropists have started a Liver Foundation (www.liverfoundationindia.blogspot.com) under Health Oriented Programmes and Educaton (HOPE Initiative, www.hope.org.in) with support from BMS Foundation.  In a massive campaign planned in the coming week, it will set up screening camps for Hepatitis B at 4 prominent hospitals: Civil, St Joseph’s, Vivekand and SGPGI where one may get oneself tested easily. Futher Radio Mirchi will air jingles and an interview, FM a Health and Fitness programme, and reminder campaigns through the press media (watch out for Dainik Jagaran and HT). And 3 wheelers will wind through narrow streets of Sitapur blaring imformation, showing documentary movies and imparting advice.

Eradicating Hepatitis B is an achievable end, as some developed countries have shown. It is possible in Lucknow and UP too. The ball is now not in the court of medical science, but with the people. Improved awareness, detection, treatment, vaccination, with supportive government policy can make UP a model state in this regard. You too have a role to play as a responsible citizen.

As published in HT City Hindustan Times (Lucknow)