In a significant public health initiative, the Kalinga Gastroenterology Foundation (KGF) joined forces with the Department of Gastroenterology at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar and the Department of Hepatology at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, to commemorate the 16th World Hepatitis Day. The collaborative event was framed around the global theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down,” a clarion call to action aimed at dismantling the systemic, financial, and social barriers that continue to impede universal access to essential hepatitis prevention, diagnostic testing, and life-saving treatments.
The gathering served as a stark reminder of the global magnitude of the hepatitis crisis, which currently affects approximately 325 million people worldwide and results in 1.4 million deaths annually. Experts at the event emphasized that the burden is particularly heavy in Odisha, where the prevalence of Hepatitis B is a primary driver of liver disease. Data presented during the proceedings revealed that Hepatitis B is responsible for roughly 20 percent of all acute hepatitis cases in the state and accounts for nearly 75 percent of primary liver cancer diagnoses, highlighting an urgent need for robust vaccination programs and heightened public awareness.
The event was graced by the presence of Professor YK Chawla, former director of PGI, Chandigarh, who served as the chief guest. During the formal ceremony, Professor Chawla released an official event souvenir and launched the latest edition of the serial magazine Syringe Bhitare Kaali. KGF chairman, Professor Dr. SP Singh, took the opportunity to reflect on the organization’s long-standing dedication to the cause, noting that the KGF has been a pioneer in the hepatitis awareness movement since 2001—a sustained effort that ultimately contributed to the World Health Organization’s formal recognition of World Hepatitis Day in 2010.
A central highlight of the proceedings was the presentation of the prestigious Blumberg Oration Award, which was bestowed upon Professor Marc Ghany, a distinguished hepatologist from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, USA. Following the conferment of this honor, Professor Ghany delivered the Blumberg Oration, providing deep clinical insights into the evolving landscape of hepatitis research and therapeutic interventions. His contribution served as both a scientific highlight and a testament to the international academic collaboration central to the fight against viral hepatitis.
Recognition was also extended to local figures who have played an instrumental role in advocating for public health. The KGF Sammana award was presented to Krushna Chandra Samal, a former police officer known for his transition into acting and news anchoring, in acknowledgment of his committed efforts to champion hepatitis awareness across Odisha. By leveraging his public platform, Samal has been a vital advocate for the Foundation’s mission, helping to communicate complex medical risks to a broader audience across the state.
The day’s activities concluded on an engaging note with a vibrant display of advocacy through the arts. In addition to the academic and award components, the program featured a prize distribution ceremony for the victors of various state and national hepatitis awareness art competitions. The students and participants, through their creative works, illustrated the critical importance of hygiene and vaccination. The event was further enriched by a powerful street play, which effectively utilized performative storytelling to promote hepatitis prevention, leaving the assembly with a clear mandate for continued collective action against the disease.