State Records Decline in Hepatitis B Seroprevalence: Nodal Officer

Speedy Summary

• Fall in Hepatitis B Seroprevalence: Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in Andhra Pradesh dropped from 2.39% in 2021 to 1.8% in 2024 according to S. neelima,State Nodal officer for the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program.
• Screening Data: From 2020 to date, out of over 63 lakh peopel screened, more than 46,000 tested positive for Hepatitis B and around 6,750 received treatment.
• National Survey Findings (2021): Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had the highest rates of Hepatitis B seroprevalence at 2.39%, while nationally it stood at just 0.95%.
• Hepatitis C Prevalence: Both Andhra pradesh and Telangana reported higher hepatitis C prevalence (0.44%) compared to the national average (0.32%). Over a period from 2020-2025, more than 5,000 individuals have been treated for this infection.
• Transmission Details: Hepatitis A and E spread through contaminated food/water; B and C via infected body fluids (e.g., unprotected sexual contact or contaminated needles). Awareness programs are being conducted at places like saloons/tattoo studios.
• Preventive Measures & treatment Access:

– Vaccines available for Hepatitis B but not C; cure is possible for those with hepatitis C.
– Screening mandated before surgeries and blood transfusions; all pregnant women are tested as well.
– Free testing available across government hospitals with dedicated centers established-31 treatment facilities exist statewide.

indian Opinion Analysis

The decrease in seroprevalence of Hepatitis B indicates progress toward controlling viral hepatitis within Andhra pradesh through enhanced public health measures such as free screenings across government hospitals and widespread awareness initiatives targeting high-risk groups like sex workers and drug users. These efforts align with broader goals under the National Viral Hepatitis control Programme aimed at reducing preventable liver infections.

However, challenges remain due to asymptomatic carriers possibly spreading infections unnoticed without proactive detection measures like systematic screening during medical procedures or targeted campaigns among tattoo studios/saloons where hygiene risks persist. The lack of a vaccine for hazardous strains such as hepatitis C underlines an urgent need for continued focus on accessibility of curative treatments alongside preventive education.

Maintaining this momentum will be critical not only to sustaining declining prevalence rates but also ensuring vulnerable populations receive adequate care-a model approach that other states could learn from given similar issues nationwide.

Read more: The Hindu