MoHFW Launches National Viral Hepatitis Control Program

MoHFW Launches National Viral Hepatitis Control Program to mark a World Hepatitis Day on 28th July. National Viral Hepatitis Control Program seeks to reduce morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis

Introduction :-

• Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program to mark the World Hepatitis Day, 2018 on 28th July.  
• At the function, Shri J P Nadda also released the Operational Guidelines for National Viral Hepatitis Control Program, National Laboratory Guidelines for Viral Hepatitis Testing and National Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Viral Hepatitis. 

About National Viral Hepatitis Control Program :-

• MoHFW has launched the ‘National Viral Hepatitis Control Program’, with the goal of ending viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 in the country. 
• The aim of the initiative is to reduce morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis. 

Key strategies include :- 

• Preventive and promotive interventions with focus on awareness generation, 
• Safe injection practices and socio-cultural practices, sanitation and hygiene, 
• Safe drinking water supply, infection control and immunization 
• Co-ordination and collaboration with different Ministries and departments
• Increasing access to testing and management of viral hepatitis
• Promoting diagnosis and providing treatment support for patients of hepatitis B &C through standardised testing and management protocols with focus on treatment of hepatitis B and C; 
• Building capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district level up to Primary Health Centres (PHC) and health and wellness centres such that the program can be scaled up till the lowest level of the healthcare facility in a phased manner.