Ministry of Health reaffirms its commitment to eliminating hepatitis C as a public health problem

On World Hepatitis C Day, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating the disease as a public health problem in Spain. New infection prevalence data shows significant progress in the fight against hepatitis C in line with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 targets.

A recent study published in the prestigious journal Lancet Regional Health Europe shows that the global prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Spain has dropped to 0.15% in 2022. This means there are approximately 57,587 people with active infection, of which an estimated 29% of cases are still undiagnosed.

These findings, the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the European Center for Infectious Diseases (ECDC) and the University of Cyprus, are based on a new multi-parameter evidence synthesis (MPES) methodology. The study highlights the need for specific interventions in groups with higher prevalence of infection, such as intravenous drug users and chemsex users.

Much of the success in reducing HCV prevalence is due to access to direct acting antivirals (DAAs). Since 2015, more than 167,000 patients in Spain have received this treatment, with a therapeutic effectiveness of 94.73%.

The Ministry of Health continues to work towards early detection and equal access to HCV prevention and treatment. Guidelines for screening for HCV infection, approved in 2020 and revised in 2022, provide a comprehensive framework for diagnosis and treatment, focusing on people at risk of infection.

As part of World Hepatitis C Day, the Ministry of Health “reinforces its commitment to eliminating the disease by integrating prevention plans for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, viral hepatitis and tuberculosis. This comprehensive strategy will allow for more coordinated and effective action to achieve the goal of eliminating hepatitis C in Spain,” the ministry said in a statement.