A Review on international strategies for the prevention of the Hepatitis C Virus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52611/confluencia.2025.1357Keywords:
Hepatitis C, Cost of illness, Screening, Direct-acting antiviralsAbstract
Introduction: Hepatitis C is a disease caused by Hepatitis C Virus infection. Given its genetic variability and generally asymptomatic course, it tends to chronify, which implies a delay in diagnosis and treatment. Due to the significant cost of illness it represents, and because it´s endemic to most of the world, World Health Organization has proposed the eradication of viral hepatitis by 2030. Objective: This paper reviews international strategies on prevention and control of Hepatitis C Virus infection according to levels of health prevention. Methodology: A bibliographic review of international gray and indexed literature was conducted through a systematic search with free terms and MESH, categorizing in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention levels, considering articles up to 10 years old. Result: For primary prevention, efforts focused on risk factors, such as safe injection policies, therapy for at-risk groups like intravenous drug users and healthcare personnel, and educational campaigns. In secondary prevention, risk-factor based or universal screening depending on the epidemiological context. In tertiary prevention, direct-acting antivirals are widely used. Conclusion: International strategies for the eradication of Hepatitis C require a multidimensional approach that encompasses all levels of prevention.
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