Patna: The Department of General Medicine at AIIMS Patna on Monday launched a public awareness campaign on viral hepatitis at the institute’s General Medicine OPD Complex as part of its observance of World Hepatitis Day 2026.
The campaign, running from July 29 to August 4, seeks to educate patients and their families about viral hepatitis, promote preventive healthcare and encourage early diagnosis. The initiative supports India’s efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
Campaign Inaugurated by AIIMS Leadership
The awareness programme was inaugurated by Executive Director Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal in the presence of Dean (Academics) Prof. Dr. Punam Prasad Bhadani, Medical Superintendent Prof. Dr. Prashant Kumar Singh, Head of the Department of General Medicine Prof. Dr. Jyoti Prakash, Prof. Dr. Ravi Kirti, faculty members, resident doctors, nursing officers, students and healthcare professionals.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Brig.) Dr. Raju Agarwal urged people to undergo hepatitis screening, receive vaccinations where applicable and adopt healthy lifestyle practices. He said informed communities play a vital role in preventing diseases.
Prof. Dr. Punam Prasad Bhadani emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, reducing stigma surrounding liver diseases and encouraging timely medical consultation.
Prof. Dr. Prashant Kumar Singh said AIIMS Patna continues to integrate patient education with clinical services so that health awareness reaches the large number of people visiting the institute each day.
Focus on Early Detection
Prof. Dr. Jyoti Prakash said greater awareness at the community level is essential to reduce the burden of chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer linked to viral hepatitis.
Prof. Dr. Ravi Kirti said viral hepatitis often progresses without noticeable symptoms, resulting in delayed diagnosis. He noted that early detection can help prevent complications such as cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma, making routine screening and public awareness critical.
Global and National Health Challenge
According to the World Health Organization, around 1.3 million people die each year from hepatitis-related illnesses, equivalent to nearly 3,500 deaths every day. More than 304 million people worldwide are living with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C, while many remain unaware of their infection.
In India, viral hepatitis continues to contribute significantly to chronic liver disease and liver cancer despite the availability of hepatitis B vaccines and effective treatment for hepatitis C.
World Hepatitis Day Theme
The 2026 World Hepatitis Day theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” highlights the need to remove barriers such as lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, misinformation, stigma and unequal access to testing and treatment.
AIIMS Patna said its week-long campaign aims to translate this global message into local action by bringing health education directly to patients and their families.
Awareness Activities
During the campaign, doctors and healthcare professionals are interacting with patients attending the General Medicine OPD to promote preventive measures, including hepatitis B vaccination, safe injection practices, screened blood transfusions, hygienic healthcare practices and timely medical evaluation.
The institute is also distributing informational material to improve awareness of liver health and encourage early diagnosis of viral hepatitis.
