Global Hepatitis C Day in 2025: A Pivotal Juncture in Hepatitis C Therapy and Global Liver Health Improvement
In the ongoing battle against hepatitis C, several countries have shown promising results. Australia and Egypt, for instance, have nearly eliminated the virus through national screening programs and affordable Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAA) rollouts [1]. However, worldwide, hepatitis C remains undiagnosed in nearly 70% of infected individuals [2].
To address this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are working on strategies to subsidize hepatitis C therapies in low-income countries [1]. Additionally, research is ongoing to develop vaccines for hepatitis C, which, if successful, could revolutionize prevention strategies [2].
Innovations in screening tools, including point-of-care diagnostics and AI-driven liver imaging, are expected to accelerate progress [2]. Digital health platforms and AI-based predictive tools are being deployed to monitor liver health and improve patient adherence [3]. In India, mobile screening clinics have been launched in high-burden states to close the diagnostic gap [3].
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Stigma around liver diseases and a lack of trained healthcare personnel in remote areas hinder early intervention in India [3]. To combat this, leveraging community health workers or mobile clinics can provide monitoring and education on signs of liver toxicity or progression, optimising resource use in settings with limited specialist availability [1][3].
Long-term management of liver health after hepatitis C treatment is crucial. Patients should be tested for sustained virologic response (SVR) at 12 weeks post-treatment to confirm cure; those with SVR have significantly reduced risk of liver-related complications but still require monitoring for liver toxicity and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly if cirrhosis is present [2][4][1].
Key post-treatment guidelines recommend confirming cure, stratifying risk based on fibrosis, simplified protocols for monitoring, and targeted programs to close care gaps and prevent progression to liver failure or cancer [1][2][3][5]. For low-income and rural areas, implementation of these measures should emphasise access to affordable one-time HCV screening and post-treatment SVR testing, use of simplified treatment algorithms, and programmes focused on high-risk and underserved populations [3].
Expanding community-based testing, particularly in low-income and rural areas, is essential to increase diagnoses [2]. The WHO's 2030 target aims for a 90% reduction in new hepatitis infections and a 65% reduction in hepatitis-related deaths [1]. With continued efforts and innovative strategies, this goal is within reach.
Science and health-and-wellness are positively impacted by the ongoing research and strategies aimed at addressing medical-conditions like chronic diseases such as hepatitis C. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, are working on subsidizing hepatitis C therapies in low-income countries to improve diagnoses and reduce the burden of the disease. Additionally, innovations in screening tools, digital health platforms, and AI-based predictive tools are expected to aid in earlier detection and management of hepatitis C, potentially leading to a significant reduction in new infections and hepatitis-related deaths by the WHO's 2030 target.
