The Ripon Buildings in Chennai were illuminated in green to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and encourage vaccination, early testing and timely treatment.
Why did one of Chennai’s most recognizable landmarks turn green?
The Ripon Buildings, headquarters of the Greater Chennai Corporation, were illuminated in green on Monday evening to mark World Hepatitis Day and raise awareness about a disease that can remain undetected for years.
The initiative was organized by the Greater Chennai Corporation in collaboration with the Chennai Liver Foundation and the Rotary Club of Chennai Towers.
World Hepatitis Day is observed every year on July 28 to improve understanding of viral hepatitis and encourage prevention, testing and treatment. The 2026 theme, “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” calls for removing the financial, social and health-system barriers that prevent people from accessing care.
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What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viral infections, alcohol, certain medicines, toxins or autoimmune conditions.
The five main hepatitis viruses are known as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E. Although they all affect the liver, they differ in how they spread, how severe they become and how they can be prevented or treated.()
Hepatitis A and E usually spread through contaminated food or water. Hepatitis B, C and D are commonly transmitted through infected blood or other body fluids.
Hepatitis B can also pass from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, while unsafe injections, unsterile medical or tattooing equipment and sharing needles can increase the risk of hepatitis B and C.
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Hepatitis Can Progress Without Clear Symptoms
Many people with viral hepatitis do not experience symptoms during the early stages. As a result, an infection may remain undiagnosed until significant liver damage has occurred.
When symptoms develop, they may include fatigue, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools and jaundice, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Long-term hepatitis B or C infection can gradually damage the liver and lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.
The World Health Organization estimated that 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C in 2024. These infections caused approximately 1.3 million deaths, mainly from cirrhosis and liver cancer.().
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Vaccination, Testing and Treatment Can Prevent Liver Damage
A safe and effective vaccine is available against hepatitis B. Giving the first dose within 24 hours of birth, followed by the recommended childhood doses, helps prevent mother-to-child transmission and long-term infection.().
There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. However, modern antiviral medicines can cure most people with the infection. Chronic hepatitis B can also be controlled with antiviral treatment, reducing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Blood tests can identify hepatitis B and C before serious symptoms appear. People with possible exposure risks, those undergoing dialysis, pregnant women and individuals with unexplained liver abnormalities should discuss testing with a healthcare professional.
Preventive measures include using sterile medical equipment, avoiding shared needles and personal items that may contain blood, practicing safer sex and ensuring that tattooing or piercing equipment is properly sterilized.
Green Illumination Calls Attention to a Preventable Threat
Through the green illumination, organizers encouraged people to understand their risk, undergo testing and know their hepatitis status.
The campaign also highlighted that eliminating viral hepatitis will require greater public awareness, broader vaccination, accessible screening and timely links to treatment.
Although hepatitis can remain silent for years, its consequences can be severe. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before irreversible liver damage develops.()
The Ripon Buildings’ green illumination carried a simple message: hepatitis may be silent, but it should not remain unseen.
References:
- India’s Fight to Combat Hepatitis- (https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2289761®=3&lang=1)
- Ripon Buildings illuminated green to mark World Hepatitis Day – (https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/ripon-buildings-illuminated-green-to-mark-world-hepatitis-day/article71273341.ece)
Source-Medindia