Hepatitis C elimination: a Public Health Perspective

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Virology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes significant global morbidity, mortality, and economic burden.
• An estimated 71 million people worldwide live with chronic HCV infection, leading to nearly 400,000 deaths annually.
• HCV elimination is a key global public health objective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination initiatives worldwide.
• To summarize medical advancements, identify barriers, and highlight knowledge gaps in HCV elimination efforts.
• To provide a public health perspective on global HCV eradication strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of current global HCV elimination strategies and initiatives.
• Analysis of medical progress, including the role of direct-acting antivirals.
• Assessment of public health approaches, barriers, and knowledge gaps.

Main Results:

• The 69th World Health Assembly endorsed a 2030 global HCV elimination strategy, enabled by oral, cost-effective direct-acting antivirals.
• Public health strategies encompass diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals, those with HIV, transplant recipients, thalassaemia patients, people who inject drugs, and pediatric populations.
• State-sponsored HCV elimination programs are active in countries including Egypt, India, Georgia, Mongolia, China, Australia, and Brazil.

Conclusions:

• Global HCV elimination by 2030 is a feasible public health goal.
• Effective direct-acting antivirals and targeted public health strategies are crucial for success.
• Addressing barriers and knowledge gaps is essential for comprehensive HCV eradication.