INDIA RANKS SECOND IN HEPATITIS CASES, CONTRIBUTING TO 11% OF GLOBAL BURDEN: WHO.
Why in the news?
High prevalence of hepatitis in India, ranking second globally, prompts concerns over low diagnosis and treatment rates.
source:slideserve
About the High Prevalence of Hepatitis in India:
Statistics: India ranks second globally in viral hepatitis cases, with over 11% of the global burden reported in 2022.
Numbers: Approximately 29 million cases of Hepatitis B and 5.5 million cases of Hepatitis C were recorded in India in 2022.
Impact: The country witnessed 1.23 lakh deaths due to hepatitis, with a significant number of new cases reported.
What is Hepatitis?
Definition: Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation, presenting as acute or chronic, with or without symptoms.
Causes: Primarily caused by hepatotropic viruses (A, B, C, D, E), as well as drugs, alcohol, fatty liver, autoimmune processes, and infections like SARS-CoV-2.
Types:
Hepatitis A (HAV): Transmitted through contaminated food/water or direct contact; preventable by vaccine.
Hepatitis B (HBV): Transmitted via blood, sex, or mother-to-child; preventable by vaccine.
Hepatitis C (HCV): Bloodborne; treatable with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).
Hepatitis D (HDV): Requires HBV for replication; affects those with chronic HBV; co-infection or super-infection possible.
Hepatitis E (HEV): Transmitted through contaminated water; vaccine available in some regions, but not globally.
Note:
Key points about World Hepatitis Day on 28 July:
Theme 2023: “One life, one liver.”
Significance:
Raises awareness about hepatitis varieties, prevention, testing, and treatment.
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source:slideserve
