4 Aug 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : The Mission Defeat Hepatitis initiative has expanded its screening drive to identify hepatitis infections at an earlier stage and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment.
Health authorities said the campaign aims to increase public awareness, encourage routine testing and reduce the burden of viral hepatitis through early intervention.
Focus on Early Detection
The expanded drive includes screening camps at hospitals, primary health centres and community outreach programmes.
Officials said early diagnosis is crucial, as many people with hepatitis may not experience symptoms until the disease has progressed.
Who Should Get Screened?
Health experts recommend hepatitis screening for:
- People with risk factors such as unsafe blood exposure or shared needles.
- Individuals with chronic liver disease.
- Pregnant women, where recommended.
- Those advised by healthcare professionals based on medical history.
Raising Public Awareness
Alongside testing, the campaign is educating people about hepatitis prevention, including vaccination where available, safe medical practices and maintaining good hygiene.
Authorities hope greater awareness will reduce stigma and encourage more people to come forward for testing.
Linking Patients to Treatment
Individuals who test positive will be referred for further evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Health officials emphasised that many forms of hepatitis can be effectively managed or treated, especially when detected early.
Towards Hepatitis Elimination
Mission Defeat Hepatitis forms part of broader public health efforts to reduce new infections and improve access to screening and care, supporting long-term goals of hepatitis elimination.