Hepatitis C test required for people born between 1945 and 1975
Alliance for Elimination of viral hepatitis in Spain (AEHVE) instructed the Ministry of Health in a statement Introduce diagnostic tests for hepatitis C for the entire population born between 1945 and 1975 who have never had it.This was reported by the EFE agency. The goal is to Prevent Hepatitis C from being relegated to health policy and contribute to its elimination.
Javier Garcia-SamaniegoAEHVE coordinator, stressed that “188 deaths annually there are too many of them when we can avoid them,” referring to an effective treatment that can cure hepatitis C in almost all cases if it is detected early. This treatment also prevents long-term liver damage.
World Health Organization (WHO) included a recommendation conduct diagnostic tests in its latest update on hepatitis elimination strategies. However, in Spain, this recommendation is only followed in some autonomous communities, such as Galiciaand an update is required Ministry of Health Screening Guide extend the recommendation to the national level.
Implementation Artificial Intelligence and Diagnostic Strategiesdeveloped during the Covid-19 pandemic, has reduced diagnostic costs by making it easier to perform age screening in the general population. Garcia-Samaniego He said these strategies should be included in the policies of all autonomous communities.
It is estimated that even in Spain 20,000 people are sick with hepatitis C who are unaware of their infection. In addition to screening the general population, it is critical to identify cases in vulnerable groups such as homeless people and drug-using parents. Program Hepatitis C Free Citiesin collaboration with city councils and NGOs, works on actions aimed at these vulnerable groups.
On occasion World Hepatitis Day, July 28.Several Spanish cities will launch a campaign featuring the actor Carmelo Gomezwho was cured of hepatitis C. His case illustrates the need for testing of the population aged 50 to 85 years, the group at highest risk of undiagnosed infection.