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Global Elimination of Hepatitis C Virus
Rachael L Fleurence1, Harvey J Alter2, Francis S Collins3
1Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA;
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is achievable by 2030, but requires accelerated global efforts. Addressing barriers like diagnostics, cost, and stigma is crucial for reaching this public health goal.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects millions globally, causing significant mortality despite being curable.
- Transmission primarily occurs through parenteral exposure to infectious blood or body fluids.
- Barriers to HCV elimination include limited diagnostics, treatment costs, stigma, and challenges in reaching marginalized populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the global progress and challenges in achieving Hepatitis C virus elimination by 2030.
- To highlight the importance of public health strategies and national plans for HCV elimination.
Main Methods:
- Review of global HCV infection statistics and mortality rates.
- Analysis of barriers hindering HCV elimination efforts.
- Examination of national and international strategies for HCV elimination.
Main Results:
- Despite being curable, HCV infected 58 million people worldwide in 2019, leading to 290,000 deaths.
- Significant progress toward elimination has been made in some countries, with national plans emerging.
- Global progress is uneven, necessitating accelerated efforts to meet the World Health Organization's 2030 elimination goals.
Conclusions:
- Global elimination of Hepatitis C virus is within reach.
- Sustained public health prioritization and accelerated action are essential to overcome existing barriers and achieve the 2030 elimination targets.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is predominantly transmitted through parenteral exposures to infectious blood or body fluids. In 2019, approximately 58 million people worldwide were infected with HCV, and 290,000 deaths occurred due to hepatitis C-related conditions, despite hepatitis C being curable. There are substantial barriers to elimination, including the lack of widespread point-of-care diagnostics, cost of treatment, stigma associated with hepatitis C, and challenges in reaching marginalized populations, such as people who inject drugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set goals to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030. Several countries, including Australia, Egypt, Georgia, and Rwanda, have made remarkable progress toward hepatitis C elimination. In the United States, the Biden-Harris administration recently issued a plan for the national elimination of hepatitis C. Global progress has been uneven, however, and will need to accelerate considerably to reach the WHO's 2030 goals. Nevertheless, the global elimination of hepatitis C is within reach and should remain a high public health priority.
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