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Public Health, Nutrition & Epidemics18 Concepts & Facts

India's Target to Eliminate Hepatitis B and C by 2030: NVHCP, Diagnostics & Viral Therapy

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India has aligned its national public health objectives with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, committing to eliminate Hepatitis B and C as major public health threats by 2030. Under international benchmarks, elimination is defined as achieving a ninety percent reduction in new chronic infections alongside a sixty-five percent reduction in viral hepatitis-related mortality compared to 2015 baselines. To operationalize this strategic objective, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) in July 2018, integrating screening, viral load diagnostics, and therapeutic care across all levels of the public healthcare delivery system.

The clinical and epidemiological management of these two blood-borne pathogens requires distinct biomedical strategies based on viral structure and disease transmission. Hepatitis B is caused by an enveloped, partially double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family, transmitted primarily via vertical mother-to-child transmission, unprotected sexual exposure, and contaminated needles. Because chronic Hepatitis B cannot be fully eradicated from infected hepatocytes due to covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), prevention relies on the Hepatitis B birth-dose vaccine administered within twenty-four hours of delivery, followed by the pentavalent vaccine series under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). In contrast, Hepatitis C is caused by an enveloped, single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. Although no vaccine exists for Hepatitis C, it is curable using pan-genotypic Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs), which achieve cure rates exceeding ninety-five percent with a twelve-week oral course.

Executing India's elimination roadmap involves scaling decentralized diagnostics, ensuring blood transfusion safety, and expanding community outreach through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (formerly Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres). Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) has been systematically expanded to reduce window-period transmission risks during blood banking, while free distribution of generic DAAs like Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir has eliminated financial barriers to cure. By integrating viral hepatitis screening into antenatal care packages and high-risk population interventions, the national program seeks to avert end-stage complications including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Key Concepts & Self-Assessment18 Key Facts

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#1
India aims to eliminate Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as public health threats by 2030 in alignment with WHO targets.
#2
The WHO elimination goal requires a 90 percent reduction in new infections and a 65 percent reduction in hepatitis mortality.
#3
The National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) was launched on World Hepatitis Day, July 28, 2018.
#4
Hepatitis B is caused by a partially double-stranded DNA virus of the Hepadnaviridae family.
#5
Hepatitis C is caused by an enveloped, single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family.
#6
Hepatitis B prevention relies on a birth-dose vaccination administered within 24 hours of childbirth.
#7
Subsequent Hepatitis B vaccine doses are delivered at 6, 10, and 14 weeks via the pentavalent vaccine under the UIP.
#8
There is currently no preventative vaccine against Hepatitis C due to high genetic variability across viral genotypes.
#9
Hepatitis C can be cured in over 95 percent of patients using oral Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs).
#10
The standard generic DAA regimen provided free under the NVHCP combines Sofosbuvir with Daclatasvir for 12 weeks.
#11
Chronic infection with Hepatitis B or C is a leading cause of progressive liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
#12
Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) reduces the diagnostic window period in blood banks compared to conventional ELISA screening.
#13
Mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B is prevented through birth-dose vaccine and Hepatitis B Immune Globulin (HBIG).
#14
The NVHCP provides free diagnostic testing, including quantitative viral load estimation, at designated model treatment centres.
#15
Transmission modes for both viruses include unsafe medical injections, blood transfusions, and unsterilized tattooing.
#16
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E are transmitted enterically through contaminated water and food, unlike types B and C.
#17
Ayushman Arogya Mandirs serve as primary screening and patient retention points for viral hepatitis management.
#18
Elimination targets depend on achieving over 90 percent infant vaccine coverage and treating at least 80 percent of diagnosed cases.

Subject Specialist Commentary

Analytical perspective & practical exam advice from the Master10 academic board

Educator's Insight
India aims to eliminate viral Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C as public health threats by 2030, mirroring World Health Organization targets. Launched on World Hepatitis Day in 2018, the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program provides free diagnostic testing and treatment nationwide. Both viruses can cause progressive liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, but public health measures, including infant vaccination programs and modern oral antiviral therapies, significantly reduce disease burden.
In public health and biology questions, examiners frequently test the medical differences between hepatitis viruses. A common trap is assuming vaccines exist for both strains; Hepatitis B is a DNA virus preventable via a birth-dose vaccine under the Universal Immunization Programme, whereas Hepatitis C is an RNA virus with no preventative vaccine. However, Hepatitis C is curable using direct-acting antivirals like Sofosbuvir. Remember "B for Birth vaccine, C for Curable" to distinguish their medical management.

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