India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) has screened more than 210.6 million people and treated over 612,000 patients as of March 2026, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare ahead of World Hepatitis Day 2026.Viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that hepatitis caused 1.34 million deaths globally in 2015, a toll comparable to tuberculosis. In India, an estimated 40 million people live with Hepatitis B, while 6-12 million have Hepatitis C.According to the 2021 HIV Sentinel Surveillance:0.85% tested positive for Hepatitis B0.29% tested positive for Hepatitis CThis is roughly equivalent to 1 in 118 people testing positive for Hepatitis B and 1 in 345 for Hepatitis C among those surveyed.India's Plan to Eliminate HepatitisLaunched in 2018, the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program aims to:Eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030Reduce infections, illness and deaths caused by Hepatitis B and CPrevent complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancerReduce the burden of Hepatitis A and E"Since 2018, India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Program has offered free screening and treatment for Hepatitis B and C nationwide. Smart use of local funding, cheaper generic drugs, and existing health programs has helped expand this care further," the government said in an official statement."Services are now moving from district hospitals down to local health centers, bringing testing and treatment closer to everyone," it added. How Does It Work?Covers Hepatitis A, B, C, D and EFree testing and medicines for Hepatitis B and CDigital patient monitoring through the NVHCP-MIS portalFocus on prevention, awareness, screening and treatmentThe NVHCP is integrated with several health programs to expand access to prevention and care.Universal screening of pregnant women for Hepatitis BHepatitis B birth dose for every newbornHBIG for infants born to Hepatitis B-positive mothers within 24 hoursScreening of high-risk groups for Hepatitis B and CHepatitis B vaccination for healthcare workers and eligible high-risk groupsUses existing TB molecular testing machines for hepatitis diagnosisRefers Hepatitis B and C-positive blood donors for treatmentThe program also operates a toll-free helpline (1800-11-6666), shared with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, to provide information on hepatitis, prevention, treatment and available services.What Is Hepatitis?Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, alcohol, certain drugs, toxins, or autoimmune diseases. Hepatitis B and C are the most common causes of chronic liver disease and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. World Hepatitis Day 2026World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on 28 July to raise awareness of viral hepatitis.The World Hepatitis Day 2026 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down,” is a call to remove the barriers that stand between people and the services that can save their lives. Viral hepatitis continues to be a major cause of preventable illness and death worldwide.