The United States is not expected to reach the World Health Organization’s target of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030, but it could be on track to do so by 2037. The targets include diagnosing 90% of people with hepatitis C virus (HCV), treating 80% of eligible people, decreasing new HCV infections by 80% and reducing death from hep C by 65%. Left untreated, HCV can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver failure leading to transplantation or death. Preventing new infections looks to be the hardest goal, with only three states—Connecticut, South Carolina and Washington—on track to reach the 80% reduction target by 2030. The country is doing better in terms of diagnosis and mortality: 45 states are set to achieve the diagnosis goal, and 46 are expected to reduce deaths by 65%. But just 16 states are on track to meet the treatment target, and none of the nine states that restrict access to antiviral therapy based on liver disease severity are expected to do so.
Concerns: Hep C Elimination
The U.S. is not on track to hit the WHO’S hepatitis C elimination targets.
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