Over 2 million HCV tests have been conducted in the past two years (Hepatitis C virus), more than 300,000 professionals were trained; similarly, more than 30,000 treatments The director of the National AIDS Prevention and Control Center said that this disease can be cured within two months.Sensida), Alethse de la Torre Rosas.
While attending the First International Summit on the Health Sector (Coase), de la Torrerosas announced, implemented in 2020 National Hepatitis C Elimination Plan, This is free and horizontal and aims to provide medical care for this infection that affects approximately 700,000 people in Mexico.
The plan, developed with the participation of health authorities, community leaders, clinicians and academics, will see Mexico report to the World Health Organization (WHO) for the first time this year on its progress in eliminating viral hepatitis, health ministry civil servants reported.
The program is people-centred and is the result of a historic transformation in the country as it changes the vision of treatment options: treatment is no longer offered only to certain people, but to anyone with a positive coronavirus diagnosis. Hepatitis C; Therefore, direct-acting antiviral drugs are given.
The strategy is based on testing, treatment and medical care by first-level professionals to promote Acquisition and implementation of actions For those most at risk, such as those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), persons deprived of liberty, users of injectable psychoactive substances and immigrants, etc.
“We can’t talk about eliminating a public health problem if we don’t talk about policies for people who are deprived of their liberty, for people who use drugs, or if we don’t talk about factors like mental health, infection control, and so on.“, he emphasized.
He stressed the need to raise awareness About this infected populationand health professionals know Eliminate viral hepatitisas well as universal and free treatment.
Diagnosis, he said, is simple: the patient arrives at a first-level medical unit or health center where they conduct testing You will get the results in a few minutes. If positive, confirm diagnosis and provide treatment. “Caring for patients with hepatitis C is easier than caring for patients with diabetes and hypertension” Both situations require professional attention, he said.
The plan has been established medical care According to viral hepatitis guidelines health facility It contains guidance on counseling, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and medical follow-up.
“If we continue to implement this strategy, we will be able to eliminate hepatitis within a few years, but not only: the number of deaths, cirrhosis cases and costs to the health system, as well as the benefits to individuals and families to avoid a condition that seriously affects patients“.