Union Health Ministry observes World Hepatitis Day 2026; marks eight years of National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP)

On World Hepatitis Day 2026, the Union Health Ministry marked eight years of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP). Launched in 2018, the programme aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, aligning with SDG Target 3.3. Union MoS for Health, Smt. Anupriya Patel, highlighted that over 21 crore beneficiaries have been screened, more than 6 lakh patients have received free treatment, and 1,153 treatment centres—including 70 specialised sites—are now operational. The Hepatitis B birth‑dose coverage exceeds 92 percent, while 7.64 crore pregnant women have been screened and 2.24 lakh newborns have received HBIG. The programme leverages convergence with the Reproductive and Child Health, National AIDS Control, and Universal Immunisation programmes, and integrates its case‑based management system with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.