Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Nagaland observed World Hepatitis Day on July 28 under the global theme Let’s Break It Down. Health officials across the state pushed for early diagnosis and better community participation to combat the viral health threat. State-level activities included joining a national virtual launch led by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel.
Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, reported that Kohima, Dimapur, and Mon districts face the highest burden of Hepatitis B and C. Dimapur and Kohima also show the highest Hepatitis B positivity rates among pregnant women. He noted the day honors Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the Hepatitis B virus and created the first vaccine. Dr. Theyo said the program must focus on removing barriers: "Let's Break It Down" calls for removing barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness and unequal access to healthcare that prevent people from seeking timely diagnosis and treatment.
Principal Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mereninla Senlem praised the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme for its performance. Diagnostic services have expanded from district hospitals to many Primary Health Centres since 2019. She urged health workers to improve public education and integrate hepatitis services with HIV care.
Local observances took place in several districts. In Noklak, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Victor NC scheduled mass screenings and vaccinations for July 28 at the CMO Conference Hall, excluding staff already screened in the past year. Attendees included district hospital employees, PLHV, OST clients, and food handlers.
In Wokha, the Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital held an awareness session. District Nodal Officer Dr. Abenthung Murry warned that Hepatitis A and E spread via contaminated food and water, while B and C transmit through blood, organ transplants, sexual contact, and childbirth. He advised newborns get vaccinated immediately.
Phek officials held an event at the CMO Conference Hall where Dr. Shasinle Tep labeled the disease a "silent killer" because it often shows no symptoms until the liver suffers significant damage. Peer Educator Mutuhu presented district data covering April 2025 through June 2026. Similar events occurred in Tuensang, led by Senior Medical Officer Dr. Alemwapang, who emphasized the importance of ending stigma against patients living with hepatitis and HIV.
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