Since its launch in 2015, Georgia’s Hepatitis C Elimination Program has provided treatment to over 91,300 citizens, with 87,000 completing the course and achieving a cure rate of 98.5%, according to the Ministry of Health.

In a statement marking World Hepatitis Day on July 28, the Ministry emphasized that the program fully covers diagnostic tests and medications, requiring no co-payment from patients.

A working meeting was held at the Tengiz Tsertsvadze Center for Infectious Pathology, AIDS and Clinical Immunology to review the program’s progress and ongoing challenges in hepatitis prevention.

Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze praised the program’s success and stressed the importance of expanding efforts through the Hepatitis B Management Program, launched in 2024. Like its predecessor, the Hepatitis B program offers free screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Sarjveladze also recognized Dr. Tengiz Tsertsvadze for his “invaluable” role in shaping and implementing the Hepatitis C initiative.

Key topics at the meeting included improved diagnostics, early detection, prevention strategies, and raising public awareness about viral hepatitis.