Georgia records 67% decrease in prevalence of Hepatitis C over previous years
In partnership with the American biopharmaceutical company Gilead, Georgia launched the Hepatitis C Elimination Programme in 2015. Photo: WHO.
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The prevalence of Hepatitis C has decreased by 67 percent in Georgia compared to previous years, Tamar Gabunia, the Georgian Deputy Health Minister, said on Thursday.
In her comments Gabunia said antiviral therapies for the Hepatitis C virus had resulted in recovery rates of 97 percent among the Georgian population, which she called “a direct indication” of the Hepatitis C Elimination Programme having been “very effective” over the years.
In partnership with the American biopharmaceutical company Gilead, Georgia launched the Hepatitis C Elimination Programme in 2015.
Over 77,000 beneficiaries are currently involved in the programme.
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has stated that he is sure that Georgia will be become one of the first states worldwide which will manage to completely eradicate Hepatitis C.
The programme to eliminate Hepatitis C is expanding in Georgia. In addition to medical institutions, screening will now also available at Public Service Halls.
According to three years results of the Hepatitis C elimination programme, 50,000 people are involved in the process currently and treatment rate is 98,2 percent.
Twenty thousand people suffering from Hepatitis C in Georgia will receive free treatment this year and potentially enjoy 100 percent recovery thanks to an offer from American pharmaceutical firm Gilead to provide a new medicine to Georgia for free.