World Hepatitis Day: Union Health Minister urges for Mass movement to combat Viral hepatitis

"Like we did it against polio with a mass and sustained campaign, we can do it against hepatitis too. It may seem to be a herculean task, but it is certainly not impossible," he said.

Also read:- Union Minister Ashwini Choubey launches National Programme for eliminating Viral Hepatitis

Underlining the disease's link to alcohol, Vardhan also urged people to start a "new trend" of not serving liquor at weddings, conferences and other public functions, and to "take pride in it".

The campaign - EMPATHY (Empowered People Against Hepatitis), seeks to educate people about viral hepatitis and raise awareness about the discrimination faced by people affected by it.

"With 1.5 lakh deaths annually and almost 60 million Indians affected, viral hepatitis continues to be a serious public health concern," the ILBS said.

"Most of the mortality due to viral hepatitis is attributed to hepatitis B and C, which are also known as silent killers as over 80 per cent of the infected people aren't aware of their infection," it said.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who also attended the event, also stressed on the need for a sustained campaign to fight hepatitis.

"From my ministry, let me know whatever help is needed, or any legal amendment is needed to ensure no such patient is discriminated against or denied any job. We support this cause," he said.

Union Health Secretary preeti Sudan and noted jurist Fali Nariman were also present on the occasion.