Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 4: India is intensifying efforts to combat Hepatitis B through an expanded nationwide screening campaign aimed at improving early diagnosis and treatment, as millions of people continue to live with the infection without knowing their status.

Under the Mission Defeat Hepatitis campaign, pharmaceutical company Cipla has partnered with the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL) to promote awareness, encourage timely diagnosis and improve access to Hepatitis B screening across the country.

According to the campaign organisers, India accounts for nearly 12 per cent of the global Hepatitis B burden, with an estimated four crore people living with chronic infection. However, only about 3 per cent of those infected have been diagnosed, while less than 1 per cent receive appropriate treatment, leaving millions vulnerable to serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

To mark World Hepatitis Day, the first phase of the campaign saw the participation of more than 5,000 doctors from across India, who supported nearly 1.5 lakh Hepatitis B screenings. The initiative earned recognition from the International Book of Records for its large-scale screening effort.

The campaign now plans to expand its reach by facilitating more than 2.5 lakh Hepatitis B screenings through over 8,500 screening camps nationwide.

As part of the awareness initiative, organisers also unveiled what they described as the world's largest liver model, created using covers of Hepatitis B antigen test kits that will be utilised during the screening campaign. The installation is intended to emphasise the importance of early testing and timely diagnosis.

Dr Jaideep Gogtay, Chief Medical Officer at Cipla, said awareness and early diagnosis remain the most effective tools for identifying infected individuals and ensuring they receive timely treatment.

He said the initiative brings together healthcare professionals, scientific organisations and local communities to improve access to screening and reduce the overall burden of Hepatitis B in India.

INASL Secretary General Prof Dr Ajay Duseja said early diagnosis is critical for effective management of Hepatitis B and that collaborative efforts among healthcare stakeholders can significantly improve patient outcomes.

Experts associated with the campaign also stressed that expanding screening programmes and strengthening public awareness are essential to preventing advanced liver disease and improving long-term health outcomes for millions of people across the country.