Despite effective therapies, only about 3% of those infected are diagnosed and less than 1% receive appropriate treatment, leaving millions at risk for serious liver disease.
Mission Defeat Hepatitis Continues Nationwide Screenings
The nationwide effort aims to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and expand access to screening across the country.
During World Hepatitis Day observances, more than 5,000 doctors across India united to support 1.5 lakh Hepatitis B screenings, establishing a record recognized by the International Book of Records. This effort marks the first phase of a broader campaign goal to facilitate more than 2.5 lakh screenings across more than 8,500 screening camps nationwide.
Healthcare professionals, liver disease experts, and Cipla leadership gathered at the event to emphasize timely diagnosis. As part of the campaign, organizers unveiled the World’s Largest Liver Model, constructed using Hepatitis B antigen test kit covers designated for the 1.5 lakh screenings, serving as a public installation to highlight the importance of early detection.
Expert Perspectives on Early Diagnosis
“Hepatitis B remains one of the under-diagnosed public health challenges in India,” said Dr. Jaideep Gogtay, Chief Medical Officer at Cipla Limited. “While effective therapies are available, millions continue to live with the infection without knowing their status. We believe awareness and early diagnosis are the first steps towards changing this reality.”
Prof. Dr. Ajay Duseja, Head of the Department at PGI and INASL Secretary General, noted the importance of professional collaboration. “The Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver is a non-profit organization committed to advancing the discipline of hepatology in India,” Dr. Duseja stated, adding that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective interventions in disease management.
Hospital Partnerships Drive Community Outreach
Dr. Ameet Mandot, Director of the Department of Hepatology and Liver Intensive Care Unit at Gleneagles Hospital in Mumbai, emphasized that early detection significantly reduces the risk of advanced liver disease.
“We at INASL and Gleneagles Hospital have an active partnership in this initiative, particularly its support for screening programs and awareness-building activities that help drive early detection within the community,” Dr. Mandot said.
Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital, added that Hepatitis B remains preventable and treatable with timely intervention. “Our association with the Mission Defeat Hepatitis Campaign highlights our commitment to promoting early screening and increasing public awareness, as early diagnosis remains the key to preventing serious liver complications,” Dr. Chevale stated.
Did You Know?
India accounts for nearly 12% of the global Hepatitis B burden, yet public health data shows that fewer than 1% of chronically infected individuals receive appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of Mission Defeat Hepatitis?
Who is organizing this nationwide campaign?
The campaign is a joint initiative by Cipla and the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL), supported by thousands of doctors and healthcare partners such as Gleneagles Hospital.
How many people live with chronic Hepatitis B in India?
Public health figures indicate that an estimated 4 crore people live with chronic Hepatitis B infection in India.
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