Breaking down barriers: Why Hepatitis testing cannot wait
ETimes November 15, 2025 01:39 AM
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eliminate Hepatitis B and C as public health threats by 2030. Yet, as we step into 2025, this goal still feels distant. The biggest reason? Many people simply are not tested.
In today’s fast-paced world, where we keep track of everything from fitness steps to heart rate, liver health often takes a backseat. Hepatitis, a silent infection that affects the liver, can quietly progress for years without showing any symptoms. By the time it’s detected, it may have already caused serious damage like liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or even cancer.
Why testing matters
Hepatitis testing is not just for those who are sick — it is for everyone. Early testing means early diagnosis, which allows treatment to start before complications arise. It also prevents the infection from spreading to others. Yet, many people skip testing because they believe they are “not at risk.”
The truth is, hepatitis does not always come from risky lifestyles. Something as simple as an unsterile medical procedure, a blood transfusion years ago, or sharing grooming items like razors can expose someone to the virus. Unfortunately, lack of awareness, stigma, and fear of discrimination often stop people from being tested.
There are still many misconceptions around hepatitis. Some assume it is incurable or highly contagious through casual contact — both untrue. Today, effective treatments exist for Hepatitis B and curative therapies for Hepatitis C . What has needed most is an open conversation about it.
Testing should be viewed as an act of self-care — just like getting a regular health check-up or managing your diet. If you can go for a dental cleaning or an annual cholesterol test, you can definitely get your liver checked occasionally.
Accessibility and cost can sometimes be concerns, but government hospitals and health programs often provide free or low-cost screening. Taking advantage of these services can make a huge difference in catching infections early.
Protecting your liver is not only about testing — it is about lifestyle too. Eating balanced meals, avoiding excessive alcohol, being vaccinated against Hepatitis B, and maintaining overall hygiene can go a long way in keeping the liver healthy.
The road to eliminating hepatitis starts with awareness and action. A simple test can protect you, your family, and your community. In 2025, let us make regular hepatitis testing as routine as checking our blood pressure — because prevention and early detection are the most powerful tools we have.
A healthy liver is a sign of a healthy life. Do not wait for symptoms — take the first step and get tested.
Dr Sambit Bhuyan, Consultant-Medical Gastroenterologist, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar
