“Hepatitis-free generation requires sustained public health action”

Under the Yellow Ribbon Campaign conceptualized in 1998 by Dr S K Sarin with the theme “Together, for a Hepatitis-Free Generation”, the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), in collaboration with the Delhi govt observed the 28th Hepatitis Day on Thursday.

Speaking on the occasion, Delhi health secretary Nikhil Kumar said that creating a hepatitis-free generation requires sustained public health action, early education and strong community participation. He emphasized that creating a hepatitis-free generation requires consistent public health action, early education, and community participation.

Addressing students, nursing trainees and healthcare professionals, Mr Kumar stressed the need for greater awareness about hepatitis-B transmission and preventive practices, urging the young generation to become advocates of liver health in their communities.

Speaking on the occasion, ILBS Director Dr S K Sarin said Delhi has been at the forefront of hepatitis prevention, from launching one of the world’s earliest hepatitis awareness campaigns to supporting evidence-based policymaking.

Alongside the educational activities, ILBS conducted a large-scale free liver health screening camp where 150 citizens registered, 104 ABHA IDs were generated, 138 blood samples were collected, 150 FibroScan tests were completed, 113 Body Composition Analyses were conducted, and 100 individuals received Hepatitis B vaccination, reflecting the programme’s dual focus on education and early detection.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sarin, elaborated on how Delhi has historically been at the forefront of hepatitis prevention, from launching one of the world’s earliest hepatitis awareness campaigns to supporting evidence-based policymaking at national and state levels. He thanked the Health Secretary for his leadership and reaffirmed ILBS’s commitment to advancing liver health in Delhi and beyond. He stated that with sustained partnerships, empowered youth, scientific rigor, and an active community, Delhi can truly become a model for a hepatitis-free generation.