Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major worldwide problem which should be adequately combated. This review summarizes two successful model programs to eradicate Hepatitis C in two countries; Egypt and Georgia. Egypt tops the list of nations affected by HCV, and Georgia is ranked among other countries with huge HCV burden. Currently, both countries are on their ambitious way to making history and completely eliminate Hepatitis C virus infections. The first comprehensive approach to reduce the burden of hepatitis C and associated diseases in Egypt was achievable with the formulation of the National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis (NCCVH) in 2006. Assisted by international and national stalk holders, Georgia started its nation- wide HCV fighting program in 2015. Elements of programs mostly addressed in both countries included simplifying and improving access to the package of diagnosis and care- providing effective, affordable or free of charge treatment- issuing, applying and regularly updating practice guidelines- improving surveillance, monitoring, and research focusing specifically on the risky groups- emphasizing infection control (IC) - encouraging patient and community engagement and increasing public and political commitment. Interventions are still going on to eradicate HCV infection in Egypt by 2030 and in Georgia by 2020. Lessons gained from this program can educate comparable activities in different nations and help control the worldwide epidemic of viral hepatitis.
Highlights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects an estimated number of 71 million people
Among key countries which are being highlighted for their innovative work to eliminate viral hepatitis are Egypt and Georgia
The target of the overall program is summarized as 90/95/95; meaning that by 2020, 90% of Georgians living with HCV will be diagnosed, 95% of them will be treated and 95% of those treated will be cured
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects an estimated number of 71 million people. In spite of being a world epidemic, there is excessive geographic variability. More than 54 centers were established between 2007- 2015 and managed by 2000 trained staff providing care and treating to nearly 800,000 chronic HCV- infected patients. Strategies of the national HCV Elimination Plan are 1: promote advocacy, awareness and education, and partnerships for HCVassociated resource mobilization, 2: prevent HCV transmission, 3: identify persons infected with HCV, 4: improve HCV laboratory diagnostics, 5: provide HCV care and treatment, 6: improve HCV surveillance [3]. Community cannot be ignored in a nation- wide program, which is of a particular concern to specific groups, including persons at high risk for infection and those who perpetuate transmission of HCV to others (e.g., HCV infected patients and their family members, barbers, non-certified injection providers, dentists, and pharmacists). Future challenges common to both countries are possibility of treatment failure [22] including the emergence of resistance- associated variants (RAVs) and assessment of the importance of occult HCV infection in a background of high rates of HCV prevalence
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