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;

Annual Review of Medicine
|November 1, 2024
PubMed

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.

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