Spain leads the fight against hepatitis C and is on track to eliminate the disease by 2030

Spain leads the fight against hepatitis C and is on track to eliminate the disease by 2030Wikimedia Commons

this Hepatitis C It is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus of the same name (HCV).It can cause acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) manifestations, and It can also be fatal.

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According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), It affects more than 58 million people over the long term In the world, every year, approx. 1.5 million new infections.

it’s known “silent disease” Because it generally does not cause symptoms. This is one of the biggest risks because if left untreated, hepatitis C can become chronic, leading to liver failure, liver cancer, and cirrhosis.

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Spanish hepatitis C data

In our country, since 2015 Implemented the National Health System Strategic Plan to Address Hepatitis C, More than 143,955 patients have been treated (2020 data).

However, as shown Dr. Federico GarciaPresident of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC):

“at the moment We have no way of knowing the prevalence of hepatitis C in Spain. The latest data we have is the 2018 National Seroprevalence Survey, and the number is much lower now because in these 5 years, Intensive diagnostic and therapeutic work”

However, although there is no nationwide survey, data from autonomous regions can provide clues to the evolution of hepatitis C in our country.

During the 8th National Viral Hepatitis Conference Data from age screening programs in Galicia and Andalusia have been published, showing a downward trend in hepatitis C:

“The prevalence of the virus has declined significantly since this data was published in 2017,” Dr. Garcia said.

“Prevalence data for men in the 50-59 age group 0.86% in 2018the current result is galicia planShows a prevalence rate of 0.13% at the same time The prevalence rate in Andalusia is 0.33%“The doctor said.

According to the Spanish Alliance to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis (AEHV), only about 20,000 people are left with hepatitis C currently considered eradicated.

Hepatitis C is mainly spread through contaminated blood

New hepatitis C treatment

Now There is no vaccine against hepatitis C. However, the effectiveness of the treatment is very high.

they are used antiviral drugswhich row Cure rate exceeds 97% this infection.

Drugs can prevent viruses from multiplying and infect new cells. These active ingredients work together to block different proteins needed by the virus to grow and reproduce, allowing the infection to be permanently eliminated from the body.

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Dr. Federico García explains that current treatments are sustainable Cure Hepatitis C in Three Months:

• “The treatment is direct acting antivirals (DDA), pan-genotype combinations, meaning they act on all genotypes. That is to say, Treatment greatly simplified“.

This new treatment saves time Prevent patients from developing cirrhosis and helps prevent infection. Additionally, they are highly effective in people who are also HIV-infected. Nearly 150,000 patients have been treated in Spain For use with the DDA antiviral drug.

The problem in most cases is Difficulty in diagnosis,estimate 35% to 50% of people infected with HCV do not know.

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Spain is on the verge of eradicating hepatitis C

Spain is an international reference In response to hepatitis C.Polaris Observatory lists Spain as Second country in the world able to eliminate hepatitisAccording to the 2030 target set by the World Health Organization, it is second only to Iceland.

• New infections reduced by 90%

• Deaths from cirrhosis and liver cancer reduced by 65%

• Diagnosis rate exceeds 90%

• Treatment is required by at least 80% of people.

Dr. Garcia assures that Spain is on the right path, but we must “Facilitate diagnosis and ensure patients do not abandon treatment.

WHO sets target to eliminate hepatitis by 2030and established three screening pathways: testing high-risk groups or people with a history of exposure (opportunistic screening), testing the entire population (universal screening), or testing by specific age groups (age).

exist Spain chosen opportunistic screening strategies Helping high-risk populations identify and treat hepatitis C cases.The plan includes Execute tests The virus is detected in people who go to the doctor for any reason and have had such illness risk exposure

(Injection drug use, risky sexual relationships, occupational exposure to viruses…).

How does it spread?

Main routes of transmission of hepatitis C through contaminated blood:

1. contact through blood
2. by blood transfusionuse of blood products and organ transplants from infected donors.
3. Due to reuse or improper sterilization of medical equipmentespecially syringes and needles.
4. tattoo and piercings
5. through sexual relations

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Symptoms of hepatitis C

most people no symptoms in the first few weeks after infection, as it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months for symptoms to appear.

These symptoms may include:

• fever

• very tired

• Loss of appetite

• nausea and vomiting

• stomach ache

• dark urine

• Clear stool

• joint pain

• Yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice)