New Delhi, 28 July: The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) observed World Hepatitis Day 2026 with a series of awareness, education and screening programmes, aligning with the World Health Organization’s theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”
ILBS organised an online awareness session in collaboration with Bharat Lok Shiksha Parishad and Ekal Bharat Media Foundation, where Prof. (Dr.) Shiv Kumar Sarin, Director, ILBS, educated students, teachers and parents on liver health, hepatitis prevention, vaccination, early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle practices. An art competition titled “Swasth Jigar, Swasth Bachpan” was also announced to promote liver health awareness among children.
At the Institute, patients and caregivers participated in interactive sessions with Prof. Sarin and Dr. Manoj Sharma, focusing on hepatitis prevention, liver diseases, nutrition and healthy living. Hepatitis B and C screening facilities were also provided to encourage early detection and timely treatment.
The programme concluded with a collective “I will take care of my liver” pledge taken by students, teachers, parents, patients, caregivers and ILBS staff, reinforcing the importance of liver health and hepatitis prevention.
According to the WHO Global Hepatitis Report 2026, nearly 287 million people worldwide were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024, while 1.3 million deaths were attributed to hepatitis-related liver disease. India remains among the countries with the highest hepatitis-related mortality, highlighting the need for greater awareness, screening and timely treatment.
