BS RAWAT
NEW DELHI : The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), Delhi, marked its 22nd International Hepatitis Day on Wednesday with a pledge for a healthy liver.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said on the occasion: “All diseases ultimately are caused due to a bad liver and if people keep the liver healthy then they will be able to escape most diseases.”

The minister stated, “The Delhi Government has a vaccination for Hepatitis A, B and E. But Hepatitis C remains deadly. The government cannot get any protective vaccine for Hepatitis C virus.”

“Sedentary lifestyle is also responsible for contributing to this disease,” he explained.

He said that people keep looking after organs like heart, brain etc., but no one looks after their liver.

Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin, director of ILBS, emphasized the importance of screening for Hepatitis B & C and encouraged students and guests present to extend their support to the yellow ribbon campaign.

He said, “Everyone must pledge to keep their own liver healthy and also those of their families and friends.”

ILBS also organized a free liver testing and vaccination camp, a Cartoon Exhibition titled “No Time For Liver” in which more than 700 artists from around the world participated and a poster display of activities conducted by students of government schools under the HEPI Schools Project.

Each year, 1.34 million die globally and 325 million people are living with the disease or could eventually experience liver disease, cirrhosis or liver cancer, if left untreated.