Egypt first to achieve 'gold tier' status towards hepatitis C elimination

The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended Egypt for its progress in eliminating hepatitis C, with the Arab Republic becoming the first nation to achieve 'gold tier' status per WHO's criteria. Achieving this status indicates that Egypt has fulfilled WHO's programmatic coverage targets that will set the country up to reach the reduced incidence and mortality aims of complete elimination before 2030. Through its '100 million seha' campaign, which translates to a hundred million healthy lives, Egypt has tested more than 60 million people and treated over four million, significantly reducing the incidence of new infections. Due to these commendable feats, WHO's Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised Egypt’s example, calling it motivation for other nations in combating hepatitis C. While this is cause for optimism, countries are reminded against complacency, as they must maintain and ramp up efforts to attain full elimination by 2023. Domestic health organizations like the Ministry of Health and Population have showcased their commitment to maintain strong screening, care, and treatment services for individuals with HCV, and there's a renewed emphasis on strengthening health system capacity and patient-centered services.