The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima observed World Hepatitis Day on the theme “Let’s Break It Down” at IDSP Hall, on 28th July 2026. The department also joined the national-level virtual launch of World Hepatitis Day, inaugurated by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
Delivering the welcome address, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, said World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on July 28 to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe liver disease and liver cancer.
He said the observance provides an opportunity to strengthen efforts towards hepatitis prevention, encourage collective action by individuals, partners and communities, and reinforce the global response to eliminate viral hepatitis. He also noted that July 28 marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed its first diagnostic test and vaccine.
Presenting the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) scenario in Nagaland, Dr. Theyo said the highest burden of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C cases has been reported from Kohima, Dimapur and Mon districts, while Hepatitis B positivity among pregnant women is highest in Dimapur and Kohima. He said screening, diagnosis and treatment services under the NVHCP have expanded significantly over the years, resulting in improved access to hepatitis care across the State.
Highlighting this year’s theme, “Let’s Break It Down,” Dr. Thego said it calls for removing barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness and unequal access to healthcare services that prevent people from receiving timely diagnosis and treatment. He urged all stakeholders to intensify awareness on hepatitis prevention, screening, vaccination, treatment and behaviour change communication, while ensuring that government health services reach every eligible beneficiary. He also called for stronger collaboration among government departments, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and communities to achieve the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Director, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, congratulated the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), Nagaland, for its outstanding performance at the national level despite financial, logistical and infrastructure constraints. She commended the dedication of the programme team and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Let’s Break It Down,” Dr. Senlem said stigma and lack of awareness remain among the biggest challenges in eliminating hepatitis. She stressed the need to overcome these barriers through sustained public education and community engagement.
Highlighting the progress made under the NVHCP since its launch in 2019, she said hepatitis diagnosis and treatment services have expanded significantly across the State. While diagnostic facilities were initially available only at the district hospital level, they have now been extended to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in many areas, making services more accessible. She added that free screening, diagnosis and treatment have substantially reduced the financial burden on patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections.
Dr. Senlem emphasised the importance of strengthening Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to improve public awareness, encouraging people to undergo screening and seek timely treatment. She urged health workers to utilise all forms of media to disseminate accurate information and promote preventive measures.
She further called for greater sensitisation of healthcare professionals on infection prevention and control practices, safe medical procedures and early diagnosis. She also stressed the need to strengthen endoscopy and colonoscopy services in the State to improve the early detection and management of liver and gastrointestinal diseases.
Underscoring the importance of integrating hepatitis services with other public health programmes, including HIV services, Dr. Senlem said wider access to testing, treatment and counselling, coupled with the active involvement of peer educators, community participation and strong political and administrative support, would be crucial in achieving the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. She expressed confidence that with continued collaboration, awareness and quality healthcare services, Nagaland would make significant progress towards hepatitis elimination.
(Kazihito T Kibami, IA)
