Nagaland records 2.3% hepatitis B positivity rate, Dimapur highest

DIMAPUR — The district-wise cumulative data on hepatitis B for the fiscal year 2023–24 (April–March) showed that in Nagaland, out of 28,442 individuals screened, 664 (2.3%) tested positive.

The highest positivity rate was recorded in Dimapur at 7.7%, while the lowest was in Longleng at 0.9%, according to a press release. This was revealed during the observation of World Hepatitis Day on July 29 at the conference hall of the Red Cross Building in Kohima, organised by the Kripa Foundation.

Also, the district-wise cumulative data on hepatitis C for the fiscal year 2023–24 (April–March) showed that out of 29,280 individuals screened, 1,024 (3.5%) tested positive. Dimapur, again, reported the highest positivity rate at 12.6%, while Longleng had the lowest at 0.2%.

Further, the district-wise cumulative data on pregnant women tested for hepatitis B revealed that out of 10,980 women screened, 91 (0.8%) tested positive. The highest positivity rate was observed in Noklak at 2.86%, while Longleng reported the lowest at 0.2%.

Among the districts, newborns vaccinated with HBIG+ totaled 50, with Kohima reporting the highest number at 16.

Dr. M Nukshisangla Jamir, state nodal officer of the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP) Nagaland, provided an overview of the NVHCP Nagaland during the event.

She stated that the programme was initiated to provide an overview of the state scenario regarding viral hepatitis, discuss the problems and challenges faced, and explore ways to move forward through collective planning and discussion.

She informed that the NVHCP has coordinated with partner NGOs to organise sensitisation, awareness, and testing camps in all districts. Additionally, she mentioned that there are 55 screening sites and 14 viral load testing sites in Nagaland.

She further discussed expanding services for viral hepatitis beyond the district headquarters. She highlighted the severe situation in the state, noting that data indicates an alarming number of hepatitis B and C cases have been identified and are either being treated or placed on treatment. She emphasised the need for intensified activities and innovative approaches to address the issue.

Renbonthung Tongoe from Kripa Foundation, speaking about the community perspective on mono and HIV co-infection, noted that compared to other states, the NVHCP in Nagaland is performing very well.

He said that there is much more that could be achieved if the viral hepatitis control programme is willing to invest. He suggested that if the NVHCP is prepared to invest, they could collaborate with the DAPCU to organise programmes in schools and colleges, as well as increase the number of HIV testing and awareness camps.

Temjennungsang Jamir, state coordinator of PATH, an international, nonprofit global health organisation, spoke about the viral hepatitis response initiatives by PATH, highlighting that PATH is currently involved in projects related to hepatitis C.

He further mentioned that PATH in Nagaland is closely working with NVHCP, NHM, and NSACS to strengthen hepatitis B and C testing and treatment.