In accord with the 63rd World Health Assembly Resolution on viral hepatitis earmarking July 28 as World Hepatitis Day, Regional Organizations working on HIV and AIDS issues across Asia have expressed serious concerns about HCV related deaths amongst People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and people who use drugs (PUD).

Approximately 200 Million (about 3%) of the World’s population are infected with hepatitis C (HCV) and each year another 3 to 4 million people are newly infected. The World Health Organization reports that People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) are most at risk of HCV infection with the  prevalence of HCV in this group being 92% in India, upto 98% in Indonesia, 90% in Thailand and 89% in Pakistan. A large proportion are also co-infected with HIV.

Awareness about HCV including prevention, diagnosis and treatment is alarmingly low among PLHIV and PUD as well as health professionals treating HIV. Few governments adequately recognize or address hepatitis C in their HIV or public health programs contributing to these low levels of HCV education and awareness.

Read the full article (PDF).