World Hepatitis Day observed in Kathua; DC stresses early detection and prevention
Blazing Tales News Service
KATHUA, JULY 28: World Hepatitis Day 2026 was observed in Kathua with an awareness programme and Hepatitis B and C screening camp organised by the District Health Society Kathua in collaboration with the District Jail Kathua under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP).
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, the chief guest, inaugurated the screening camp for inmates at the District Jail. Among those present were Chief Medical Officer Kathua Vijay Raina, Superintendent District Jail Kathua Mohinder Paul and officers of the Health Department.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the importance of early screening, timely diagnosis and treatment in eliminating viral hepatitis. He said Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are serious liver infections primarily transmitted through infected blood, unsafe injections, sharing contaminated needles and the use of unsterilised medical equipment.
He urged people to adopt safe health practices, undergo timely screening and avail themselves of Hepatitis B vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease.
Emphasising the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, the Deputy Commissioner said that sharing contaminated needles among injecting drug users significantly increases the risk of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C transmission. He appealed to the inmates to stay away from drugs and lead a healthy life.
Chief Medical Officer Vijay Raina and other health experts also sensitised the inmates about the symptoms, modes of transmission, preventive measures and the availability of free treatment under the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme.
The programme was organised to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and encourage early detection, prevention and treatment as part of the nationwide observance of World Hepatitis Day.
