Over 10 lakh people in Andhra Pradesh affected by hepatitis
State and central governments are expanding vaccination and preventive measures as the state reports the highest percentage of hepatitis incidences in the country.
More than 10 lakh people in Andhra Pradesh are estimated to be living with hepatitis, according to a report by Urban Acres. Health department estimates suggest that over two per cent of the state's estimated five crore population is affected, marking the highest reported percentage of hepatitis incidences in India.
Health officials have identified NTR, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Kurnool, and Nellore as districts with higher case numbers. High-risk groups include children born to infected mothers, people living with HIV, sex workers, and men who have sex with men.
Kurnool District Medical Officer Dr. Y. Kameswara Prasad said individuals born before 2004 are more vulnerable because the Hepatitis B vaccine was not included in routine immunisation until then.
He stated that the administration of the vaccine has begun to protect these vulnerable sections.
A three-dose Hepatitis B vaccination programme has been launched across all districts and has covered 3.69 lakh people. Dr. D.
Neelima, the Andhra Pradesh nodal officer for the National Hepatitis B Control Programme, said both central and state governments have started extensive measures to control the infection.
Kurnool Medical College general surgery professor Dr. P. Haricharan said early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential, suggesting that vaccination should be extended to people in slums.
The immediate response will continue through the vaccination of vulnerable groups, early detection, and treatment.