On World Hepatitis Day, it’s important to talk about a serious health issue that still affects many children, viral hepatitis. In India, and especially in West Bengal, hepatitis in children often goes unnoticed. Many cases are not diagnosed early or are misunderstood, and some children may silently develop liver problems over time. But in recent years, West Bengal has made strong progress in fighting this disease, especially by focusing on protecting newborns and their mothers.
The Early Years: A Window of Vulnerability
Children are particularly vulnerable to hepatitis infections, especially those caused by Hepatitis A and E, which are transmitted through contaminated water or food. 96% of children hospitalized for acute viral hepatitis had Hepatitis A. While Hepatitis A typically resolves on its own, repeated outbreaks in rural and semi-urban belts point to lingering concerns around sanitation, water safety, and hygiene practices.The greater,and more long-term, threat, however, comes from Hepatitis B, a virus that can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. If acquired at birth, it often leads to chronic infection, which over time can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Globally, children who contract Hepatitis B at birth have up to a 90% chance of developing chronic infection, making early prevention a medical priority.
Recognizing the Threat: West Bengal’s Turning Point
In West Bengal, maternal screening data suggest that more than 0.1% of pregnant women are Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive. While this figure may appear small, without timely medical intervention, such cases can lead to vertical transmission rates of up to 60%, putting newborns at high risk.
Measurable Progress on the Ground
Today, the prevalence of hepatitis B among children under five in West Bengal has dropped to approximately 0.07%, a figure that stands out positively when compared to the national average of around 1%.This progress has been driven by a combination of factors: improved antenatal care coverage, timely procurement and distribution of vaccines, and active involvement of community health workers. Awareness campaigns have also played a role,reaching families in both urban and rural belts with clear messaging around birth-dose timing, vaccination schedules, and the importance of follow-up care.
Bridging the Last Mile
While the state has built a strong foundation, a few critical steps remain in ensuring universal protection:
- Ensuring every delivery point, public or private, follows the same screening and vaccination protocols.
- Extending awareness to mothers and caregivers, especially in districts with high home-birth rates.
- Continued focus on water and sanitation infrastructure, to reduce the burden of hepatitis A and E outbreaks among children.
The health system’s ability to act early,before symptoms appear, is perhaps its most powerful tool against hepatitis. What once remained a silent threat is now being actively addressed through science, strategy, and commitment.
A Healthier Tomorrow Begins at Birth
Preventing hepatitis in children is not a singular medical event,it is a continuum that begins with prenatal care and extends through immunization, education, and community engagement. West Bengal’s experience shows what can be achieved with coordinated action. The progress made so far is both encouraging and inspiring, but the path to full elimination will require continued momentum, equity of access, and vigilance at every level.With each child protected at birth, West Bengal moves closer to its goal of a hepatitis-free generation.
