DIMAPUR: World Hepatitis Day was observed across Nagaland on July 28 under the global theme “Let’s Break it Down.”
In Kohima, the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Kohima observed World Hepatitis Day at IDSP Hall under the theme “Let’s Break It Down.” The department also joined the national level virtual launch inaugurated by Anupriya Patel, Minister of State, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
Delivering the welcome address, Mission Director, NHM, Dr. Keveduyi Theyo said World Hepatitis Day is observed annually to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that can lead to severe disease and cancer. He noted that the observance provides an opportunity to strengthen prevention efforts, encourage collective action and reinforce the global response to eliminate hepatitis. He also recalled that July 28 marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and developed its first diagnostic test and vaccine.
Presenting the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) scenario in Nagaland, Dr. Theyo said the highest burden of Hepatitis B and C cases has been reported from Kohima, Dimapur and Mon, while Hepatitis B positivity among pregnant women is highest in Dimapur and Kohima. He highlighted that screening, diagnosis and treatment services under NVHCP have expanded significantly, improving access to care across the State.
Referring to this year’s theme, Dr. Theyo said it calls for removing barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness and unequal access to healthcare. He urged stakeholders to intensify awareness on prevention, screening, vaccination and treatment, while ensuring services reach every beneficiary. He also called for stronger collaboration among government departments, healthcare providers, civil society and communities to achieve hepatitis elimination.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Director, Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mereninla Senlem congratulated NVHCP Nagaland for its outstanding performance at the national level despite financial and logistical constraints. She commended the dedication of the programme team and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.
Dr. Senlem said stigma and lack of awareness remain major challenges in eliminating hepatitis, stressing the need for sustained public education and community engagement. She highlighted progress made since NVHCP’s launch in 2019, noting that diagnostic facilities have expanded from district hospitals to Primary Health Centres (PHCs), making services more accessible. Free screening, diagnosis and treatment, she added, have reduced the financial burden on patients, particularly those from weaker sections.
She emphasised strengthening Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities to improve awareness, encouraging people to undergo screening and seek timely treatment. She also called for greater sensitisation of healthcare professionals on infection prevention, safe medical procedures and early diagnosis, while stressing the need to strengthen endoscopy and colonoscopy services for early detection of liver and gastrointestinal diseases.
Underscoring the importance of integrating hepatitis services with other public health programmes, including HIV, Dr. Senlem said wider access to testing, treatment and counselling, coupled with community participation and strong political support, would be crucial in achieving elimination goals. She expressed confidence that with continued collaboration, awareness and quality healthcare services, Nagaland would make significant progress towards eliminating viral hepatitis.
In Wokha, the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) organised a programme at the Conference Hall of Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital. The programme began with an invocation by Thunchangbeni Humtsoe, Associate Women Leader, Wokha Town Baptist Church (WTBC).
Delivering the theme address, Dr. Abenthung Murry, District Nodal Officer, NVHCP, explained that Hepatitis is a viral infection leading to inflammation of the liver, which can progress to cirrhosis and cancer. He highlighted the five types of Hepatitis, noting that A and E spread through contaminated food and water, while B and C can lead to chronic liver disease and cancer. He stressed that Hepatitis can also spread through contaminated blood, organ transmission, sexual contact and mother to child transmission.
On prevention, Dr. Murry emphasised vaccination and timely treatment, adding that free testing and treatment services are available under the programme. He urged parents to administer the Hepatitis B vaccine to newborns to protect them from infection. Calling upon the community to break stigma and misinformation, he encouraged collective efforts to overcome fear and barriers related to the disease. The programme, chaired by Patrick W. Tungoe, DRP NUN LWS Wokha, concluded with benediction by Loreno Murry, Associate CNY Director, WTBC. Free testing and vaccination for Hepatitis C were provided to participants.
In Phek, the day was observed at the CMO Conference Hall. Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chitale Hiese, Chief Medical Officer, briefed participants on the objectives of the programme. Theme speaker Dr. Shasinle Tep, DPO NCD, described Hepatitis as a “silent killer,” noting that many infected individuals remain asymptomatic for years while the virus gradually damages the liver. She cautioned that untreated chronic Hepatitis can lead to serious complications.
Dr. Tep underscored the importance of vaccination, particularly for high risk groups such as individuals with chronic liver and kidney disease. She highlighted that Hepatitis B vaccine administered to newborns helps protect them from infection. She also outlined the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis and informed participants that free screening and vaccination are available at all health facilities.
Mutuhu, Peer Educator, NVHCP, presented the district scenario of Hepatitis B and C from April 2025 to June 2026. A mass screening and vaccination camp was conducted as part of the programme. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kuduvo Kezo, DPO DISHA, Phek.
In Tuensang, Chief Medical Officer’s Office, Tuensang observed World Hepatitis Day under the theme “Let’s Break It Down” at the CMO Conference Hall on July 28.
Delivering the theme address, Dr. Alemwapang, Senior Medical Officer, District Hospital Tuensang, said the observance aimed to raise awareness and minimise suffering caused by hepatitis. He explained the five types of hepatitis-A, B, C, D and E-detailing their effects on the body and methods of prevention. He also urged participants to help stop stigma against people living with conditions such as HIV.
Dr. Alemwapang advised the gathering to inform the public about the availability of free screening and treatment for hepatitis and HIV at District Hospital Tuensang.
The programme was chaired by Chongshen C. Chang, District Programme Officer, DISHA Tuensang, and attended by staff under the CMO establishment along with student leaders from Tuensang town.