Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Egypt: Current Situation and Future Perspective

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most challenging public health problem in Egypt where the prevalence is the highest in the world and its history, epidemiology, risk factors, genotype and model of care are unique. On World Hepatitis Day (July 28, 2016), the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) launched NO hep, the first global movement aimed at galvanizing support toward the elimination of viral hepatitis (i.e. 90% reduction in new chronic infections, 65% reduction in mortality compared with a scenario in which interventions would continue at the current level), by 2030. In the same context, Egypt has established the plan of action for the prevention, care and treatment of viral hepatitis 2014-2018. In order to achieve the elimination target in Egypt by 2030, political, community and health care system cooperation and commitments must be met. Understanding and accurately describing the magnitude of the problem, its determinants and barriers to control are crucial to achieve the target. This article reviews the problem in Egypt from a present and future perspective elucidating the current situation and future prediction adopting different scenarios.