200 000 people are living with hepatitis C in Georgia. In recent years, the government took effective steps to increase access to treatment: On March 1, 2014, free treatment program has been established in penal institutions; since July 1, 2014, medications are sold at discounted prices. Since 2015, free treatment of Hepatitis C with new medication (Sophosbuvir) is provided to 5000 patients. A goal has been set to eliminate the disease in Georgia.
On 28th of July, a number of events dedicated to the World Hepatitis Day have been held for the sixth time in Georgia. In previous years, non-governmental organizations and citizens demanded increased access to treatment. This year, the campaign had two main goals: participants supported the implementation of the first phase of the treatment program and put the emphasis on the development of long-term treatment program.
A number of events have been held within the framework of the campaign. Conference and a round table have been held at the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, which were attended by patients and the representatives of the state agencies. Similar events have been held in Gori, Kutaisi, Zugdidi and Batumi within the framework of the campaign.
Photo coverage and video from Zugdidi rally;
Article on Kutaisi rally;
A round table on the topic of Hepatitis held in Adjara;
Talk show on Imedi TV – life with Hepatitis C. Keti Khutsishvili, the Executive Director of Open Society Georgia Foundation is participating in this Talk Show.
For more information, visit the Facebook page of the Georgian Harm Reduction Network.
