Guwahati, July 28, 2025: Marking World Hepatitis Day on July 28, the Department of Gastroenterology at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital organised an awareness programme with the goal of raising awareness around viral hepatitis and promoting preventive healthcare practices. The event was held at the Super Speciality Block of the hospital which was graced by Mr. Mahadev Deka (Mr Universe 2009) as the Chief Guest.
Other dignitaries present at the programme were Chetana Das, Assamese film personality; Dr B N Choudhury, Professor, Dept, of Gastroenterology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital; and Dr Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah, Asstt. Prof., Dept, of Gastroenterology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital.
Over 1000 participants from across various walks of life came together to extend their support for this cause. Bharat Scouts and Guides, NCC, SAI and various nursing institutes like GMCH Nursing College, Nemcare Nursing College, Rahman Hospital Nursing College, Down Town Nursing College and many more participated in the programme.
World Hepatitis Day is observed on 28th July to commemorate the achievement and contributions of Dr Baruch Samuel Blumberg also known as Barry Blumberg, a physician and geneticist, who discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967 and developed the first hepatitis B vaccine, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize.
This year’s global theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” emphasizes on dismantling financial, social, and systemic barriers that hinder hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention.
Speaking about the dangers of viral hepatitis Dr B N Choudhury, Professor, Dept, of Gastroenterology, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital said, “Hepatitis is a major global health threat, with over 330 million people affected worldwide and 1.3 million deaths annually, primarily due to chronic Hepatitis B and C infections that lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Despite being preventable and treatable, many people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to lack of awareness and limited healthcare access.”
“With Hepatitis continuing to claim lives silently, awareness programmes like this are vital in educating the public about the symptoms, prevention strategies, and importance of early detection,” said Dr Bhaskar Jyoti Baruah, Asstt. Prof., Dept, of Gastroenterology, Gauhati Medical College. “Through this initiative, we aim to foster a community-driven approach to eliminating hepatitis from our society,” he further added.
Globally, the primary focus is to eliminate hepatitis B, and C infections. Unlike acute viral hepatitis, these infections cause chronic hepatitis that lasts for several years and culminates in more than 10 Lakhs of deaths per year from cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. These chronic hepatitis infections are responsible for more than 95% of hepatitis mortality worldwide.
Precaution and Prevention
- Vaccinate newborns and provide timely booster doses, especially for hepatitis B.
- Test and treat all pregnant women for hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis.
- Ensure universal access to hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment—especially for marginalized groups such as prisoners, migrants, and people who inject drugs.
- Raise awareness about safe practices:
- Use of condoms during sexual activity
- Avoid sharing needles or personal hygiene items
- Practice proper sanitation
- Exercise caution with tattoos and piercings
- Consume bottled water when travelling in high-risk areas
