With over a million lives lost each year, viral hepatitis stands as a serious global health concern. Million more are living with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis, making the need to address and eliminate this public health challenge greater than ever. In India, the burden is particularly severe, with millions affected by hepatitis B, C, and other forms of the virus. Despite advances in medicine, far too many individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated, fuelling the silent epidemic. This makes hepatitis eradication an essential mission. By uniting our efforts, we can move closer to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) vision of eliminating hepatitis by 2030.
Introducing the Indian Hepatitis Summit (IHS)
The Indian Hepatitis Summit (IHS) is set to take place in January 2025 in Chennai, bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and advocates in a united effort to eradicate viral hepatitis. In association with the Chennai Liver Foundation (CLF), the summit will serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge, showcasing innovations, and developing strategies to combat hepatitis.
At the Chennai Liver Foundation (CLF), we are a voluntary, non-profit organisation committed to raising awareness about liver health through research and educational activities. We provide support, and information to both the medical community and the public on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of liver-related diseases. Through our initiatives, we work to dispel misconceptions, educate the public on the risks, and offer hope to those living with liver disease. Our mission aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) targets for the elimination of hepatitis by 2030, and we present the Indian Hepatitis Summit.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections. While it can also result from alcohol consumption, toxins, and autoimmune diseases, viral hepatitis is the most prevalent and dangerous form. There are five main types of viral hepatitis, such as A, B, C, D, and E, that pose significant public health risks.
- Hepatitis A and E: These are typically spread through contaminated food and water and generally cause acute infections that may be self-limiting but still present considerable public health risks, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.
- Hepatitis B, C, and D: These viruses can lead to chronic infections, resulting in long-term liver damage, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and, if untreated, liver failure. Hepatitis B and C are particularly dangerous, often asymptomatic until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.
Why is Hepatitis a Concern?
Hepatitis is frequently referred to as a “silent killer” because its symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed to more severe stages. Millions of people around the world, and particularly in India, remain unaware that they are infected, which allows the virus to spread unchecked and untreated. This lack of early diagnosis and access to treatment contributes to rising death rates and significant liver-related health problems.
In India, the numbers are staggering. According to the latest estimates:
- 40 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B, a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- 6 to 12 million people are living with chronic hepatitis C, which also significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.
- Hepatitis E (HEV) is responsible for large-scale outbreaks, particularly in developing regions, while Hepatitis A (HAV) affects many children, leading to acute liver infections.
The growing public health burden of hepatitis requires urgent action to raise awareness, scale up prevention programs, and expand access to diagnosis and treatment. If left unaddressed, hepatitis will continue to pose serious challenges to healthcare systems and economic productivity in India.
WHO’s Target of Eradicating Hepatitis by 2030
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set an ambitious goal: to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Achieving this will require large-scale efforts across the globe, especially in high-burden countries like India. Key objectives include:
- Reducing new hepatitis infections by 90%
- Increasing treatment coverage to 80%
- Reducing deaths caused by hepatitis-related liver conditions by 65%
To meet these targets, a multi-faceted approach is essential – one that combines prevention, early diagnosis, treatment access, and comprehensive care. The Indian Hepatitis Summit 2025 will serve as a platform to accelerate these efforts in India, focusing on innovation, education, and collaboration among key stakeholders.
Indian Hepatitis Summit 2025: Agenda and Key Focus Areas
The Indian Hepatitis Summit 2025 is set to be a landmark event in India’s fight against hepatitis. By bringing together medical professionals, researchers, public health experts, and policymakers, the summit will focus on several critical areas, including:
- Groundbreaking research in hepatitis treatment and vaccine development
- Strategies for scaling up prevention and early diagnosis
- Innovations in care and support for those affected by hepatitis
- Opportunities to foster greater public awareness and community engagement
Aligned with WHO’s mission to eradicate viral hepatitis by 2030, the Indian Hepatitis Summit will translate these global objectives into actionable strategies for India. With a focus on innovative research, community outreach, and strengthening healthcare systems, the summit will play a crucial role in ensuring India meets its hepatitis elimination targets.
Chennai Liver Foundation (CLF) will continue to be at the forefront of these initiatives, with its commitment to supporting research, educating the public, and empowering both medical professionals and patients in the fight against liver diseases.
Technical Partners for the Summit
The success of the summit is bolstered by the involvement of esteemed partners committed to combating hepatitis. We are grateful for the support of the following organizations:
1. World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA)
The World Hepatitis Alliance is a global NGO dedicated to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. By uniting patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, WHA raises awareness, promotes prevention, and advocates for improved access to treatment. Their mission aligns with WHO’s targets for hepatitis elimination by 2030.
2. World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a UN agency focused on international public health. Established in 1948, WHO promotes health, sets global standards, and coordinates responses to health emergencies, advocating for policies to combat diseases like viral hepatitis.
3. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is India’s apex biomedical research organisation. Founded in 1911, ICMR formulates and promotes research to enhance national health, developing effective strategies for disease control, including hepatitis prevention and treatment.
4. Indian Medical Association (IMA)
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is a leading voluntary organisation of doctors in India, established in 1911. IMA advocates for medical practitioners, promotes public health, and collaborates on initiatives to improve healthcare delivery, including efforts against hepatitis.
5. Task Force for Global Health
The Task Force for Global Health is a non-profit organisation focused on improving health outcomes through collaboration. They address public health challenges by innovating solutions and enhancing health systems. Their work spans vaccine delivery, disease elimination, and capacity building in global health.
6. PATH
PATH is a global health organisation dedicated to health equity through innovation. They tackle issues like infectious diseases and maternal health, focusing on improving healthcare access in underserved populations. PATH develops solutions to make healthcare more effective and accessible.
7. Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) is a non-profit focused on increasing access to lifesaving medications and healthcare services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI partners with governments to improve health systems and implement sustainable healthcare solutions.
8. Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL)
The Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL) promotes research and education in hepatology. Founded in 2004, INASL aims to improve liver health in India by disseminating knowledge and establishing best practices for managing liver diseases, including hepatitis.
9. Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG)
The Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) advances gastroenterology in India. Founded in 1967, ISG promotes education and research in gastrointestinal disorders, including hepatitis, by organising conferences and training programs for healthcare professionals.
CLF invites you to join us at the Indian Hepatitis Summit in January 2025, where together we can raise awareness, share innovations, and drive solutions in the fight against viral hepatitis. By collaborating with key partners and engaging with experts across sectors, we can take significant steps toward achieving WHO’s 2030 goal. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, policymaker, or advocate, your participation can make a meaningful difference in eliminating hepatitis and improving liver health in India.
Let’s unite in our mission to eradicate viral hepatitis and build a healthier future for all.