Mission Defeat Hepatitis expands nationwide screening efforts for Hepatitis B

Cipla and the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver are working with more than 5,000 doctors to facilitate 1.5 lakh Hepatitis B screenings, with a larger target of over 2.5 lakh screenings across 8,500 camps in India.

Cipla and the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver have expanded Mission Defeat Hepatitis, a nationwide initiative focused on increasing awareness, promoting early diagnosis and improving access to Hepatitis B screening across India.
The initiative comes as Hepatitis B continues to remain a significant public health concern in the country. According to the World Health Organization Hepatitis Report 2026, India accounts for nearly 12 per cent of the global Hepatitis B burden, with an estimated 4 crore people living with chronic Hepatitis B infection. However, only around 3 per cent are diagnosed and less than 1 per cent receive appropriate treatment.

As part of this year’s observance of World Hepatitis Day, more than 5,000 doctors have joined the initiative to facilitate 1.5 lakh Hepatitis B screenings. The campaign has also created an International Book of Records entry during the nationwide screening drive. Organisers said this marks the first phase of a larger plan to facilitate more than 2.5 lakh screenings through over 8,500 screening camps across the country.
The campaign also unveiled what organisers described as the world’s largest liver model, created using Hepatitis B antigen test kit covers that will be used during the screening programme. The installation was designed to highlight the importance of early detection and timely diagnosis.

Dr Jaideep Gogtay, Chief Medical Officer, Cipla Limited, said, “Hepatitis B remains one of the under diagnosed public health challenges in India. While effective therapies are available, millions continue to live with the infection without knowing their status. We believe awareness and early diagnosis are the first steps towards changing this reality. Through Mission Defeat Hepatitis, we are bringing together the medical fraternity, scientific bodies and communities to encourage timely screening and help people access appropriate care. Our vision is simple: to ensure that every individual at risk has the opportunity to know their Hepatitis B status. Because only when we diagnose earlier can we truly change the course of the disease.”

Prof Dr Ajay Duseja, Head of Department, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research and Secretary General, Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver, said, “The Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver is committed to advancing the discipline of hepatology in India. Early diagnosis remains one of the most effective interventions in Hepatitis B management. Mission Defeat Hepatitis provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals across the country to work towards a shared goal of increasing awareness, encouraging screening and connecting patients to appropriate care. Together, we can make meaningful progress in reducing the burden of Hepatitis B in India.”

Dr Ameet Mandot, Director, Department of Hepatology and Liver Intensive Care Unit, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, said, “Early diagnosis is a cornerstone of effective Hepatitis B management, enabling timely intervention and significantly reducing the risk of advanced liver disease. Mission Defeat Hepatitis serves as a platform to unite healthcare professionals in a collective effort to enhance awareness, encourage screening and facilitate early linkage to care. We at INASL and Gleneagles Hospital have an active partnership in this initiative, particularly its support for screening programmes and awareness building activities that help drive early detection within the community. Through such collaborative efforts, we can accelerate progress toward reducing the burden of Hepatitis B in India and improving patient outcomes.”

Dr Bipin Chevale, Chief Executive Officer, Gleneagles Hospital, said, “Hepatitis B continues to be one of the underdiagnosed liver diseases in India, despite being preventable and treatable with timely intervention. Our association with the Mission Defeat Hepatitis campaign highlights our commitment to promoting early screening and increasing public awareness, as early diagnosis remains the key to preventing serious liver complications. Through our experienced multidisciplinary team and healthcare infrastructure, we strive to ensure that every patient has access to quality care, while contributing to the larger goal of reducing the burden of Hepatitis B in our communities.”
Mission Defeat Hepatitis is a collaborative awareness and screening initiative led by Cipla and the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver to encourage early diagnosis, improve access to screening and connect more people with appropriate care.

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