The West Bengal government will begin population-based screening for hepatitis, announced chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday.
"On World Hepatitis Day, we reiterate our commitment to eliminate Hepatitis by 2030…” Banerjee wrote on Twitter. “Vaccine of Hepatitis B is provided to all newborns to give lifelong immunity.”
The state government’s efforts to eradicate hepatitis have become a model for the country, said Banerjee.
“We shall be taking treatment services to sub-district level and population-based screening. Let's all take up the challenge on this day to eliminate Hepatitis in West Bengal,” the chief minister added.
World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28 to create awareness about viral hepatitis, a disease related to the inflammation of the liver, causing a range of health problems, including liver cancer.
On World Hepatitis Day 2022, the World Health Organisation has emphasised the need for bringing hepatitis care closer to the primary healthcare facilities and communities.
