The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in Vasant Kunj, Delhi, celebrated its 28th Hepatitis Day with the theme Hepatitis-Free New Generation. The event, held under the Delhi Government’s Directorate of Family Welfare, focused on spreading awareness about hepatitis prevention and early screening. A special liver health check-up camp was also set up for visitors.

Dr. Nikhil Kumar, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, led the program and stressed that creating a hepatitis-free generation requires two core efforts:
• strong primary education
• active community participation

He highlighted that school students, nursing trainees, and healthcare workers face a higher risk of hepatitis B exposure due to closer contact with infected individuals, medical instruments, and unawareness about preventive practices. Regular screening, he said, is essential for maintaining liver health.

ILBS has already educated more than 15,000 students across several states on hepatitis prevention. This school-based awareness program is now being actively rolled out in Delhi as well.

Delhi’s leadership in hepatitis prevention

ILBS Director Dr. S. K. Sarin noted that Delhi has consistently been a leader in tackling hepatitis. He pointed out that viral hepatitis remains a major public-health burden in India, with nearly 30 million people living with chronic hepatitis B.
According to him, the most effective weapons against hepatitis are:
• widespread screening
• timely vaccination
• early diagnosis
• public awareness

He also drew attention to the rising threat of fatty liver disease. One in three people in Delhi is now affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition strongly linked to diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. With Delhi’s dense network of public clinics and relatively aware population, Dr. Sarin believes the city can act as a model for hepatitis elimination nationwide.

Why Hepatitis Day is celebrated

India observes Hepatitis Day every year on December 4.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the Yellow Ribbon Campaign—launched in 1998 by renowned hepatologist and social activist Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin. Supported over the years by figures like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and the Dalai Lama, the campaign has played an important role in mobilising public support against hepatitis.