Global Health Day for Hepatitis 2025: A Pivotal Moment in Hepatitis C Management and International Liver Wellness
In the ongoing fight against hepatitis C, achieving a cure is just the beginning of a larger battle for global liver health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a target for a 90% reduction in new infections and a 65% reduction in hepatitis-related deaths by 2030. However, challenges such as affordability in low-income countries and gaps in funding and healthcare infrastructure pose significant obstacles.
Countries like Australia and Egypt have demonstrated that national screening programs combined with affordable Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAA) rollouts can lead to near-elimination of hepatitis C. In India, mobile screening clinics have been launched in high-burden states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar to expand community-based testing and link more patients to treatment.
Once cured, patients require long-term care to maintain liver health. Regular follow-up with physical exams and laboratory tests is essential to assess liver function and detect possible progression or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with cirrhosis remain at risk for HCC, so ongoing screening with liver ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein every 6 months is recommended. Non-invasive tests and biomarkers may also be used to monitor liver fibrosis status and identify patients at risk of disease progression.
Lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in liver health. Patients should adopt a balanced diet and maintain physical activity to promote liver health and reduce risks associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which can contribute to liver cancer risk. Avoidance of alcohol and hepatotoxic substances like acetaminophen, aspirin, and certain prescription drugs is critical to prevent additional liver damage. Interventions such as intermittent fasting and weight management may support liver histologic improvement and reduce HCC risk.
Vaccinations are also an essential part of long-term care. Patients with hepatitis C are recommended to receive vaccinations against hepatitis A and hepatitis B to prevent superimposed viral hepatitis that could worsen liver damage. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are also generally advised, given the potential vulnerability due to chronic liver disease.
Educating patients on avoiding transmission, including restrictions on blood donation and safe practices, remains important post-treatment. Continuing clinical follow-up ensures early identification and management of HCV-related or extrahepatic complications.
Digital health platforms and AI-based predictive tools are being deployed to monitor liver health and improve patient adherence. However, stigma around liver diseases and a lack of trained healthcare personnel in remote areas hinder early intervention in many countries, including India.
With DAA treatments leading the way, and global initiatives aiming to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030, there is a tangible sense of optimism. However, it is crucial to remember that worldwide, hepatitis C remains undiagnosed in approximately 70% of infected individuals. The narrative now extends beyond treatment to long-term health management and prevention of hepatitis C. Maintaining liver health for decades to come requires a collective effort from governments, healthcare providers, and patients. World Hepatitis Day 2025 stands as a powerful reminder that the battle for global liver health is far from over.
In the context of long-term health management for hepatitis C patients, implementing regular screenings for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and adopting health-and-wellness practices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, and avoiding alcohol and hepatotoxic substances, are essential for maintaining liver health. To ensure the effectiveness of the treatments and therapies against chronic diseases like hepatitis C, it's crucial for patients to receive vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, as well as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. This holistic approach to health takes us beyond just treating medical-conditions like hepatitis C, and into the realm of sustainable healing and prevention of further liver diseases.
