Hepatitis C primarily affects some of the most marginalized communities. Highly effective, affordable medicines can clear the infection in a matter of weeks, yet most people never access diagnosis or treatment.
Hepatitis C primarily affects some of the most marginalized communities. Highly effective, affordable medicines can clear the infection in a matter of weeks, yet most people never access diagnosis or treatment.
58 million
Worldwide, 58 million people are infected with hepatitis C
80 %
Most hepatitis C infections occur in low-and middle-income countries
4 in 10
Injection drug use is a major route of transmission, contributing to 4 in 10 hepatitis C infections
95 %
Breakthrough medicines can cure 95% of hepatitis C cases in just 3 months
Breakthrough medicines that can quickly and affordably cure hepatitis C present a major opportunity for global health progress, but a lack of awareness and funding to advance hepatitis C elimination efforts hinder progress.
Several factors limit the impact of effective treatments, including: a lack of understanding about hepatitis C risk factors and the need for testing; insufficient availability of tests in the places where people at highest risk seek services; and a two-step testing process that slows diagnosis and loses many people to follow up. As a result, just 36% of people with hepatitis C get diagnosed and only 20% access treatment.
Rural, displaced, marginalized, and poor populations are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C, while also being among the least likely to access health services. Insufficient outreach with information, screening and treatment mean millions of people with hepatitis C are missed.
We invest in more affordable treatments, simpler diagnostic and treatment protocols, better tests, and awareness campaigns to extend care to more people with hepatitis C.
