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Spain is one of the first countries to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) and has the potential to become one of the first countries in the world to achieve this goal.since launch Strategic plan to address hepatitis CMore than 164,502 patients have been treated in Spain, with a cure rate of around 95%, demonstrating WHO’s efforts to achieve the goal of eliminating the disease viral hepatitis By 2030, change the lives of these patients. However, in order to implement initiatives aimed at improving prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and comprehensive management of patients with HCV, it is necessary.
In addition to this, there is chronic hepatitis D, which affects patients infected with the hepatitis B virus and is associated with faster progression of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and a higher risk of liver cancer and death.
Today, many patients remain undiagnosed, in part due to limited knowledge of the disease, limited reliable and automated diagnostic methods that are easy to implement in microbiology services, and a historical lack of effective treatments. Where there is an unmet medical need, doctors are less likely to perform tests to detect disease and conduct research programs in this area.
“Gilead’s unwavering commitment to patients sets us on a clear path: supporting our research community”
Therefore, initiatives undertaken by companies such as Gilead Sciences as part of their commitment to liver disease are critical. spanish liver research association (AEHH), just resolved the appeal Gilead Sixth Edition Hepatitis C and Hepatitis D Epidemiology Micro-Elimination Project Funding.
A total of 23 projects were evaluated in this period, among which 14 people received scholarships totaling 350,000 euros. The winning projects are located in Catalonia, Andalusia, Valencian Community, the Balearic Islands, Aragon and Castile and León, seven of which are dedicated to the diagnosis and referral of patients with hepatitis C, Two are dedicated to understanding the epidemiology of hepatitis D, five of which address the diagnosis of all viral hepatitis, in line with Spain’s advocacy and education efforts to implement this comprehensive diagnosis.
he Dr. Manuel Romero, AEEH President stressed “The importance of this type of collaboration and continuity highlights the importance of public-private collaboration between Gilead and AEEH and lays the foundation for achieving one of our country’s important public health goals, such as eliminating hepatitis C.”
“We believe this is one of the best ways to promote research and public health”
In the same sense, he wanted to point out “The idea of initiating a research program so that the benefits of proactive testing, improved care and access to cure immediately reach the general population is unparalleled in clinical practice. “We believe it advances research and public health and achieves goals that would otherwise be unattainable One of the best ways. “
in words Marisa Alvarez, implement. Director of Medical Affairs, Gilead Spain,”Gilead’s unwavering commitment to patients sets us on a clear path: support our research community. “Always follow the recommendations of scientific societies and agencies and work with regional elimination programs and professionals to achieve the goal of eliminating this disease.”
Furthermore, he added that due to the six editions of the scholarship program “We have been able to launch different local projects to help us diagnose and refer patients with hepatitis C and in the new year strengthen our commitment to understanding the epidemiology of hepatitis D, an unmet medical need”.
“With these 14 new projects, 61 initiatives have now been launched as a result of the collaboration between Gilead and AEEH to improve the diagnosis and care of patients with viral hepatitis over the past six years,” pointed out.
“During the six editions of this scholarship programme, different local projects were carried out”
Even so, despite these efforts, more than 76,500 people in the total population are still infected with HCV. Among them, 22,500 people have active HCV infection but have not yet been diagnosed. To this end, we must take advantage of every opportunity to diagnose patients, focusing on prevention, early detection, early treatment and comprehensive management. It’s important to take action locally to impact globally. In this way, in addition to preventing the spread and possible new infections, patients can be treated at the initial stages of the disease and prevented from developing.
Since the call was launched in 2018, and over six editions, the Gilead and AEEH collaboration has financed the implementation of 61 projects that contribute to the elimination of hepatitis C in our country, with grants totaling €1,465,000 , among which there are 6 scholarship recipients in 2018, 7 scholarship recipients in 2019, 9 scholarship recipients in 2020, 10 scholarship recipients in 2021, 15 scholarship recipients in 2022, and 2023 scholarship recipients. The 14 scholarship recipients are located in 10 autonomous regions and target different patient groups and medical settings.