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Shining a Light on a Hidden Epidemic

Why and How Advocates Can Support the Expansion of Hepatitis C Treatment in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Date:
August 2009
Source:
OSI
Author:
Jeff Hoover

Hepatitis C presents a serious health threat worldwide. Some 150 million individuals are currently living with the virus, and nearly four million people become infected every year.

Hepatitis C is particularly devastating in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, where infection is strongly correlated with injection drug use. Yet, the cost of treatment remains prohibitive to most people in the region. Lack of effective treatment not only causes serious harm to individuals, it directly impacts the ability of countries to respond to the growing HIV epidemic.

This report produced by OSI's Access to Essential Medicines Initiative seeks to help advocates expand hepatitis C treatment in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

The report covers the following topics:

  • Basic information about hepatitis C, incuding prevalence, means of transmission, disease progression, and health consequences
  • The double impact of hepatitis and HIV coinfection
  • Hepatitis testing and barriers to identifying infection
  • Hepatitis treatments and availability of medicines
  • Strategies for reducing the cost of treatment
  • Barriers to treatment for active drug users
  • Building civil society advocacy focused on hepatitis

The report is available in English and Russian.

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Related Information

Nothing About Us Without Us
May 2008
This report and manifesto addresses the fact that millions of people who use drugs remain largely unrepresented in public health decisions, including responses to HIV and hepatitis C epidemics.

Delivering HIV Care and Treatment for People Who Use Drugs
July 2006
Based on evidence from research and clinical practice, this OSI report examines how medical personnel, public health officials, policymakers,and advocates can most effectively provide HIV treatment and related health care for people with a history of drug use.

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