More than 22,000 people have been cured

• Every year on July 28th is World Hepatitis Day.
• Under the current administration, Mexico has conducted more than 2,356,000 hepatitis C screening tests.
• Mexico was recognized by Latin America for its actions to eliminate the virus infection.

Hepatitis C remains one of the most common infections in Mexico and other parts of the world. However, one of its main disadvantages is that it does not produce symptoms in the initial stages. As a result, some people may have the disorder for years without knowing it.

Notwithstanding, the Ministry of Health (SSa) adopted National HCV Elimination Program, 22,748 people have been treated and cured. In addition, Alethse de la Torre Rosas, director of the National Center for AIDS Prevention and Control (Censida), said that under the current government, it has carried out 2 million tests, for a total of 356,000.

Main actions implemented

He also said the plan’s four pillars are: universal and free access to testing and treatment; integration of action and information across agencies; a people-centred approach to primary health care; and targeted strategies for those most affected.

He said guidelines and clinical guidelines for hepatitis B and C were developed based on scientific evidence; the department increased the number of diagnostic and care units from 42 to 629; more than 333,000 health professionals received information on timely detection and early management of hepatitis C-related issues.

He explained that there is a system of centralizing epidemiological information to facilitate decision-making focused on the health needs of the population. Likewise, automated call centers can connect people to comprehensive care services and information about healthcare. Protection against hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Groups at higher risk of infection

We pay particular attention to high-risk populations, such as those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), people deprived of their liberty, and users of psychoactive substances. He explained that more than 78 percent of HIV-infected people were screened and registered on the institutional platform, which made it possible to understand the HCV infection status of this population.

He explained that, based on the results of the information analysis, 56 priority cities were identified in Mexico that concentrated the areas with the highest HCV prevalence and that actions were taken according to the national plan.

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The Censida chief said that in order to accelerate the elimination of hepatitis C, it is imperative to maintain a focus on public health, build resilient systems and continuously improve all pillars of the chain of care.

Pan American Health Organization Director Jabas Barbosa da Silva Jr. highlighted through a virtual message the tireless work of health professionals in applying the hepatitis B immunization program, which has resulted in a reduction in mother-to-child transmission of the Latino virus U.S.

He warned that the Americas still faced enormous challenges, as more than 100,000 people die each year from liver cancer and cirrhosis from hepatitis B and C; these deaths could be prevented by expanding access to testing and treatment services.

He emphasized that PAHO, through its Strategic Fund, is ready to support countries in expanding access to diagnostic tests and medicines to maintain the sustainability of the hepatitis C elimination response.

He recognized the leading countries in Latin America for hepatitis C control: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico, emphasizing that “they have successfully implemented a coordinated national response to viral hepatitis and accelerated access to diagnosis and treatment, Especially with hepatitis C.”

Also read:

6 Groups of People Who Should Be Tested for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is curable: detection and treatment tests

5 myths and facts about hepatitis C: Is there a cure? Is there a vaccine to prevent it?