Accelerating access to hepatitis C diagnostics and treatment

WHO approved more hepatitis direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2020 which helped low- and middle-income countries increase the number of registered treatments, reduce prices of a full treatment under US$100 – update is as low as US$60 for three months, and strive towards hepatitis C elimination.

For the first time, this year’s report includes information on hepatitis C diagnostics. With a focus on selected countries with diverse HCV epidemics, the report provides updates on the various dimensions of access to HCV diagnostics and pharmaceutical products, including product pricing, the regulatory environment and patent status, which together shape the national hepatitis response in different settings. It highlights key areas for action by ministries of health and other government decision-makers, pharmaceutical manufacturers and technical partners.

Globally, at the end of 2017, only 5 million – or 7% – of the 71 (62–79) million people chronically infected with HCV had cumulatively received treatment with DAAs. As countries continue to tackle the disease burden and service disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical to ensure that the recent momentum and gains in the response to hepatitis C are not lost. Against this backdrop, this report is a strong reminder to continue to invest in building resilient and sustainable health systems that are focused on universal health coverage.