Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today emphasized the importance of raising awareness about hepatitis among the public and policymakers. Also, he wants policymakers and public representatives at all levels to spread the word about preventable hepatitis.
The Vice President called for making the campaign for ending hepatitis by 2030 a ‘people’s movement’, like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and TB Free India campaign.
Shri Naidu recommended that the hepatitis campaign be done in the people’s language to reach as many people as possible. In this regard, he also called for innovation in government messaging to avoid monotony and make the message accessible and understandable.
As India grows stronger globally on all fronts, it is equally important to make it “a healthy and happy nation”. Also, he urged people to eat healthier and get active.
The Vice President thanked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for supporting the fight against hepatitis and also Dr SK Sarin and his team of doctors at the ILBS for their tireless work.
About World Hepatitis Day
On 28 July, World Hepatitis Day raises awareness about viral hepatitis and encourages global action.
Inflammation of the liver is known as hepatitis. A, B, C, D, and E are the five types of hepatitis virus. Globally, hundreds of millions of people suffer from chronic hepatitis B and C, which cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and viral hepatitis-related deaths.
This year’s theme, “Bringing hepatitis care closer to you”, aims to raise awareness about the need to simplify and bring hepatitis care to primary health facilities, community-based venues, and locations beyond hospital sites, so that care is closer to communities and people wherever they are.