HEPATITIS C

1. Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver, a type of viral hepatitis.
2. HCV is spread primarily by
   1. Blood-to-blood contact associated with injection drug use
   2. Poorly sterilized medical equipment
   3. Needlestick injuries in healthcare
   4. Transfusions
3. Egypt became the first country to achieve “gold tier” status for elimination of hepatitis C by adopting the “100 Million Healthy Lives” initiative.
4. The “gold tier” status is given on meeting specific criteria such as:
   1. Ensuring 100% blood and injection safety
   2. Maintaining a minimum of 150 needles/syringes per year for people who inject drugs (PWID)
   3. Diagnosis of over 80% of people living with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)
   4. Treating of over 70% of individuals diagnosed with HCV
   5. Establishing of a sentinel surveillance programme for hepatitis sequelae, including liver cancer.