In an awareness infographic published on its twitter page, MOH called for screening for hepatitis C in the following cases: if a first-degree relative is infected with the virus, or had a surgical operation, received blood before 1990, or had a genetic blood disease, dialysis procedure, or suffered from high liver enzymes.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recently started implementing the second phase of the National Program for HCV Detection and Treatment. As well, MOH has launched an awareness campaign entitled (Give Me Your Hand!), which features several awareness materials posted on social media.
“During the past two years, MOH has provided a number of quality drugs to treat HCV, while giving priority to sophisticated cases or those transmitting infections to other.
The introduction of locally produced world-class drugs has helped expand the scope of treatment in an unprecedented way; thus, removing priority barriers. In addition, the Program trains both doctors and coordinators, and provides lab and radiology test, as well as the logistic services needed for its implementation.
It is noteworthy that hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes both acute and chronic infection. Acute HCV infection is usually asymptomatic. About 15–30% of infected persons spontaneously clear the virus. The remaining persons will develop chronic HCV infection, which may lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer in some cases.
HCV can be cured using new direct-acting antiviral medicines recently made available, which have proven effective with more than 95% recovery percentage. However, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Advisory health centers on the treatment of hepatitis C. To view the consultation health centers for the treatment of hepatitis C,
click here.