Hepatitis A
Subject: Science and Tech (UPSC Prelims)
Source: The Hindu
Context:
Public health experts are recommending that Hepatitis A vaccination be added to India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), as outbreaks are rising and natural immunity among adolescents and young adults is declining.
About Hepatitis A
What is it?
Hepatitis A is an acute viral liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A Virus (HAV).
It does not cause chronic liver disease, but adults may develop severe hepatitis or acute liver failure.
Geographical Distribution
- Common in low- and middle-income regions with poor sanitation.
- Most infections occur in childhood in high-burden areas.
- High-income countries see fewer cases but frequent outbreaks in specific groups (MSM, travellers, PWID, homeless populations).
Mode of Transmission (Faeco-oral)
- Consumption of contaminated food or water.
- Direct contact with an infected person (poor hygiene, dirty hands).
- Household spread and food handlers are major contributors.
- Waterborne outbreaks linked to sewage contamination.
Symptoms
Fever, malaise, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice.
Treatment
- No antiviral medicine exists.
- Supportive care is provided.
- Most patients recover fully and develop lifelong immunity.
- Hospitalisation only in severe cases.
Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)
What it is?
India’s flagship vaccination programme, providing free immunisation to all children and pregnant women against major vaccine-preventable diseases. It is among the largest immunisation programmes in the world.
Launch Timeline
- 1978: Started as Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)
- 1985: Expanded into the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP)
- 1989–90: Achieved nationwide coverage
Key Components of UIP
1. Strategy & Policy Framework
Driven by:
- National Health Policy
- National Vaccine Policy
- NTAGI recommendations
2. Cold Chain & Logistics
- ~30,000 cold chain points nationwide.
- Equipment includes ILRs, deep freezers, WIC/WIF units, vaccine vans.
- eVIN ensures real-time temperature and stock monitoring.
3. Injection Safety & Waste Disposal
- Auto-disable (AD) syringes, hub-cutters.
- Disposal as per CPCB biomedical waste guidelines.
4. AEFI Surveillance (Adverse Events Following Immunisation)
- Multi-level AEFI reporting since 1988.
- SAFEVAC portal for digital real-time reporting.
5. Training & Capacity Building
- Training modules for medical officers, ANMs, ASHAs, cold-chain technicians.
- Key centres: NCCTC Pune, NCCVMRC Delhi.
