Hepatitis C: From diagnosis to global virus elimination

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is one of the most significant infectious diseases worldwide, posing a substantial health burden. Since the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), the treatment landscape has undergone a revolution. HCV infection is curable, and the treatment is safe and well tolerated. Due to the availability of this effective therapeutic option, the World Health Organization (WHO) set an ambitious goal in 2015 to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030, a goal that the German government also embraced in 2016. The key tasks involve identifying previously undiagnosed cases and ensuring they receive antiviral treatment. Addressing at-risk populations through specific measures, including micro-elimination projects and population-wide campaigns, is essential to achieving the WHO's target both in Germany and globally.