KUPWARA: District administration Kupwara, in collaboration with the Health department, marked ‘World Hepatitis Day' on Monday with widespread awareness drives and health services across the district.

Activities conducted to mark the occasion included an awareness rally, screening camps, and vaccination drives targeting high-risk groups.

The programme commenced with a district-level awareness rally flagged-off by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, in the presence of CMO, Dr. Masrat Iqbal Wani; Dy. CMO, Dr. M Ashraf, nursing students, healthcare workers, ASHAs, and the general public. Besides, health education sessions and free screening facilities were also conducted on the occasion, emphasizing this year's theme: ‘Let's Break It Down'.

Addressing the participants, DC highlighted the theme's significance, stressing the need to ‘demystify hepatitis through accessible information and community action.' She reiterated the administration's commitment to eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat, aligning with WHO goals, and urged citizens to utilize free testing/vaccination services.

Later, CMO Kupwara presided over a district-level program at ANMT School featuring health education sessions, screening facilities, and expert-led discussions centered on the global theme.

The initiative, supported by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir and NHM J&K, underscores integrated strategies to combat communicable diseases.

Meanwhile, District Health Society will intensify IEC campaigns and outreach in the coming days.