Andhra Pradesh Hepatitis B Rates Decline Amidst Increased Screening

State Focuses on Awareness to Further Reduce Prevalence

Andhra Pradesh has achieved a reduction in Hepatitis B seroprevalence, dropping from 2.39% in 2021 to 1.8% in 2024. The state government is prioritizing public awareness campaigns to further curb the liver infection’s spread.

Hepatitis B More Prevalent in the State

Dr. S. Neelima, State Nodal Officer for the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme, highlighted that Hepatitis B remains the most common of the five hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E) affecting the region. World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28, serves as a crucial reminder to address this public health concern.

Extensive Screening Identifies Positive Cases

Between 2020 and the present, over 63.8 lakh individuals in Andhra Pradesh have been screened for Hepatitis B. Of these, more than 46,000 tested positive, with 6,750 individuals receiving treatment during the same period.

Significant Drop in Seroprevalence

A 2021 report indicated that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana shared the highest Hepatitis B prevalence at 2.39%, exceeding the national average of 0.95%. Dr. Neelima noted that the current 1.8% rate in 2024 reflects a positive trend, partly attributed to the government’s intensified screening efforts.

“While the rate decreased to 1.8% in 2024, more cases are getting detected in the State these days as the government has increased screening tests for people.”

—Dr. S. Neelima, State Nodal Officer for the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme

The same 2021 report identified Hepatitis C seroprevalence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at 0.44%, surpassing the national rate of 0.32%. From 2020 to 2025, over 5,000 people are expected to have received treatment for Hepatitis C.

Understanding Transmission and Prevention

Dr. Neelima explained that Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis B and C spread via infected bodily fluids, unsafe sexual practices, and can pass from mother to child. Contaminated needles are another transmission route. Consequently, awareness campaigns are being conducted in places like saloons and tattoo studios.

While a vaccine is available for Hepatitis B, administered at birth, no vaccine exists for Hepatitis C, which is considered more dangerous. However, effective cures are available for Hepatitis C patients.

Mandatory Screening Protects Public Health

Given that these viral infections are often asymptomatic, individuals can unknowingly carry the viruses. To mitigate risk, mandatory screening for Hepatitis B and C is conducted before any surgical procedure or blood transfusion. Pregnant women are also routinely tested.

High-risk groups identified include sex workers, individuals who use drugs, and those who get tattoos. The state government has made testing free and accessible at all government hospitals, establishing 31 treatment centers across Andhra Pradesh.

Globally, an estimated 296 million people lived with chronic Hepatitis B infection in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This underscores the importance of ongoing prevention and treatment efforts in regions like Andhra Pradesh.