World Hepatitis Day 2025 under the global theme ‘Hepatitis - Lets Break it Down’ was observed at the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Kohima on 28th July 2025.
Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mereninla Senlem in her keynote address spoke on the significance of World Hepatitis Day stating that, this day gives us an opportunity to step up our efforts on hepatitis and the need for a greater response towards the cause. The campaign is a reminder to act now to expand access, integrate care, and end hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030.
She said that World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on the 28th of July to raise awareness on viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and liver cancer. The theme calls to dismantle barriers such as financial, social and systemic 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.
She stated that with the launching of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program in our country in 2018 as a National Health Program, 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.
Mission Director, National Health Mission, Dr. Avile Zao in her short speech said that the theme for 2025 is a powerful call to break the silence, the stigma, and the chain of transmission of hepatitis. Hepatitis affects millions worldwide, yet many remain unaware of its dangers, modes of transmission, and available treatments. She briefly explained what hepatitis is, how it spreads, its impact on our health, and the 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.
She also highlighted on the scenario in Nagaland of Hepatitis infection in 2024-25, stating that Hepatitis B infection was 2.4%, Hepatitis C infection was 4.01%, pregnant women hepatitis B infection was 0.8%. Dimapur has the highest prevalence of Hepatitis B & C as well as Hepatitis B among pregnant women, perhaps owing to the cosmopolitan population. She added that the screening of Hepatitis B & C are available in all the government hospitals including Health & Wellness Centres, free viral load 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,
(Siizo Kikhi IA)
