The ‘Illness to Wellness’ initiative, aimed at enhancing awareness of various health conditions and promoting holistic living, alongside the Project Empathy Campaign of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), recently organised a series of contests for Delhi NCR school students to commemorate World Hepatitis Day.
In a press statement on Monday, the organisation informed that the events, held at the APJ Abdul Kalam Auditorium of ILBS on 26th July 2024, included public speaking and logo design contests.
The contests were designed to boost awareness and educate the public about hepatitis, aligning with the 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) theme, “It’s Time for Action.” Open to students from grades 6–12, the contests saw enthusiastic participation from numerous schools across the Delhi NCR region.
A 2024 WHO report highlights the severity of hepatitis, with 1.3 million deaths attributed to the disease in 2022, making it the second leading infectious cause of death globally. Hepatitis B was responsible for 83 per cent of these deaths, while hepatitis C accounted for 17 per cent. India, with over 40 million affected individuals, is among the top 10 countries with the highest burden of viral hepatitis. This underscores the urgent need for increased public awareness and the dispelling of myths surrounding the disease.
Shiv K Sarin, Director and Chancellor of ILBS, emphasised the need for action in spreading awareness and correcting misconceptions about hepatitis. “Many stigmas, such as the false association with AIDS, cloud our understanding of the disease. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and from mother to baby. Effective control can be achieved through universal vaccination and treatment. Engaging with the youth is a powerful way to spread these crucial messages,” Sarin remarked. He commended the Illness to Wellness initiative and Project Empathy for their role in organising the event.
Anil Rajput, Chairperson of ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, praised the students’ involvement and the supportive role of schools in Delhi NCR. “On World Hepatitis Day, we have the chance to renew our commitment to addressing hepatitis. The enthusiastic participation of children in these contests helps raise awareness and tackles important aspects of the disease. When children embrace a cause, positive change follows,” he stated.
The ‘Illness to Wellness’ initiative has consistently worked towards raising awareness about Hepatitis B and C through various events across India, emphasising the importance of good health for a fulfilling life.
The contests at ILBS featured thrilling competitions, with close finishes and impactful messages. The winners of the contests are as follows:
List of WinnersPublic Speaking Competition1st Place: Chehak Maheshwari, Class 8, Amity International School Noida2nd Place: Ava Dahiya, Class 8, Presidium School, Sector 57, Gurugram3rd Place: Agrim Malhotra, Class 8, Amity International School, Pushp Vihar
Logo Competition1st Place: Vincy Bansal, Class 10, Amity International School2nd Place: Tanaya Mihani, Class 9, Presidium School, Sector 57, Gurgaon3rd Place: Aanya Yadav, Class 9, Amity International School, Saket