Aiming towards hepatitis C virus elimination in Greece

Authors George V. Papatheodoridis, John Goulis, Vana Sypsa, Christos Lionis, Spilios Manolakopoulos, Ioannis Elefsiniotis, Olga Anagnostou, Christos Tsoulas, Angelos Hatzakis, George N. Dalekos.

Abstract

There are estimated to be 74,000-134,000 patients living with chronic hepatitis C in Greece, but only 20-30% of them are aware of their disease status. In July 2017, the Hellenic National Plan for Hepatitis C was announced in alignment with the World Health Organization goals for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by the year 2030. This article discusses the epidemiology and current treatment of chronic hepatitis C in Greece. Additionally the authors propose actions on how to bring back to care diagnosed patients lost to follow up, optimize access to care for HCVinfected people who inject drugs, and increase HCV screening in the general population. The medical community in Greece can play a pivotal role in the implementation of the HCV National Plan and in the efforts to reach the goal of HCV elimination.


Keywords Hepatitis C, elimination, Greece, screening, linkage to care


Ann Gastroenterol 2019; 32 (4): 321-329

Published
2019-06-30
Issue
Volume 32, No 4 (2019)
Section
Special Article