27/03/2026
India is in an intermediate hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemicity zone, with a 2% to 4% prevalence rate and roughly 29.8 to 40 million carriers, accounting for 10%–15% of the global burden.
Variations: Prevalence varies significantly by region, with studies finding lower rates in some areas (e.g., 2.1% in North India) and high rates in others (e.g., up to 21.2% in Arunachal Pradesh).
High-Risk Populations: Tribal populations in certain areas show very high HBsAg prevalence, such as 23.3% in the Nicobarese tribe and up to 65% in the Jarawa tribe of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Transmission Factors: The primary route is horizontal transmission during early childhood, although unsafe injections (25–30% of global burden) contribute significantly, with about 16 billion injections prescribed annually
Chronic active Hepatitis B is a long-term liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) characterized by ongoing liver inflammation and damage. It poses a high risk of developing cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. Treatment involves antiviral medications to suppress viral replication, reduce damage, and improve long-term survival.
Most people with chronic hepatitis B can live a full, normal, and healthy life expectancy with regular monitoring (every 6–12 months) and antiviral treatment if needed. While chronic Hepatitis B increases the risk of liver damage (cirrhosis or cancer), effective therapies can control the virus and prevent damage.
