New Delhi, Dec 4 :Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia Friday launched the "Yellow Ribbon Campaign", which aims to create awareness about hepatitis.

"Hepatitis is a global health problem associated with significant illness and mortality, about 100 times more than AIDS. In India, Hepatitis 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'E' are very common. Hepatitis is preventable by vaccination and by keeping good hygiene," said Walia after inaugurating a function at the Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital here.

She stressed the need for launching awareness campaign for prevention of hepatitis on the lines of HIV/AIDS campaign.

"In 170 countries across the world, vaccination against hepatitis for children has been made mandatory. But in India, we have not still thought it proper to make vaccination of Hepatitis for children essential," she added. (IANS)