Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda recently launched the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme to eradicate viral hepatitis by 2030. The programme was launched to mark the World Hepatitis Day 2018.

On the same occasion, the minister also released the Operational Guidelines for National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme; National Laboratory Guidelines for Viral Hepatitis Testing; and National Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Viral Hepatitis.

Highlights of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme-

•  It aims to control viral hepatitis in the country, thus, thereby reducing mortality and morbidity attributed to it.
•  The key strategies of the programme include preventive interventions with focus on awareness generation, safe injection practices and socio-cultural practices.
•  It will also focus on ensuring sanitation and hygiene, safe drinking water supply, infection control and immunization.
•  It aims to increase access to testing and management of viral hepatitis; promote diagnosis and provide treatment support for patients of hepatitis B &C through standardied testing and management protocols with focus on treatment of hepatitis B and C.
•  It aims to build capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district level up to Primary Health Centres (PHC) and health and wellness centres to scale up the program to the lowest level of the healthcare facility in a phased manner.
•  It involves co-ordination and collaboration with different Ministries and departments.