Reaffirming its commitment to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat the Government of India has set 2030 as the national target for achieving hepatitis elimination aligning with the global goals of the World Health Organization (WHO). The renewed push comes on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day with the Centre highlighting significant progress made under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) and announcing intensified efforts to expand screening, diagnosis and treatment across the country.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said India is adopting a comprehensive health systems approach to combat hepatitis by integrating prevention, testing, treatment and surveillance with existing national health programmes. The strategy aims to improve early detection, ensure universal access to free diagnostics and medicines and strengthen vaccination coverage to reduce the burden of liver disease. Launched in 2018, the NVHCP provides free screening, diagnosis and treatment for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C at designated government health facilities. The programme also focuses on infection prevention through safe injection practices, blood safety measures, awareness campaigns and improved surveillance systems.
Health experts note that hepatitis remains one of India’s major public health challenges despite the availability of effective vaccines for Hepatitis B and curative treatment for Hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer while Hepatitis A and E continue to cause outbreaks linked to contaminated food and water. The government stressed that eliminating hepatitis will require large-scale community awareness, routine screening of high-risk populations, timely diagnosis, uninterrupted treatment and stronger immunisation particularly the birth-dose Hepatitis B vaccine for newborns. Integration of hepatitis services with maternal and child health programmes, HIV services and primary healthcare centres is also being strengthened to improve case detection and treatment outcomes.
India’s renewed commitment comes at a time when global health agencies have warned that hepatitis continues to claim over a million lives annually despite being largely preventable and treatable. WHO and global hepatitis advocates have urged countries to accelerate testing and treatment to achieve the 2030 elimination target. The theme of World Hepatitis Day 2026, “Let’s Break It Down,” calls for removing barriers such as stigma, misinformation and limited access to testing and treatment. Health authorities have urged citizens to undergo timely hepatitis screening, complete vaccination schedules and seek early medical care emphasising that early diagnosis can prevent severe liver complications and save lives.
India’s 2030 roadmap is expected to focus on expanding diagnostic infrastructure strengthening public awareness, improving access to antiviral therapy and leveraging digital health platforms to monitor patients and programme performance. Public health experts believe sustained political commitment, adequate funding and greater community participation will be crucial for the country to meet its hepatitis elimination goal.
