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Hepatitis C eliminated in hemophilia, dialysis, thalassemia patients: Official
However, the disease remains prevalent among high-risk groups, particularly prisoners and injection drug users.
Seyed Moayed Alavian said that one of the association’s key priorities is addressing these high-risk populations.
He credited the Health Ministry’s sustained efforts over the years for significantly reducing hepatitis B and C cases, IRNA wrote.
Screening donated blood for hepatitis C since 1996 has significantly lowered its prevalence among high-risk groups, including hemophilia, thalassemia, and dialysis patients. Free screening and treatment for all special patients have also contributed to eradicating the disease in these groups.
Alavian noted that over 20,000 special patients with hepatitis C have received free treatment, drastically reducing related mortality rates. In many provinces, there are no longer reports of special patients with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis, caused by a virus, often begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, followed by jaundice and dark urine.
Alavian emphasized the production of affordable, insurance-covered medications in Iran, contributing to the low hepatitis B and C prevalence.
To prevent water and foodborne diseases, including hepatitis A and E, Alavian recommended proper hand hygiene, safe water consumption, and thorough cleaning and disinfecting of fruits and vegetables.
The 10th Hepatitis Conference and the 3rd Iran Gastrointestinal Liver Conference will be held from June 18-20 at the Razi Conference Center, where physicians will discuss the latest prevention and treatment methods for hepatitis and liver diseases.
According to the Health Ministry, the hepatitis A incidence rate is 12.87 cases per million people. Last year, 10,094 cases were reported. About half of the hepatitis A cases occur in children under 10, highlighting the need for improved education and prevention programs for this age group.
The infection rates are 48% in women and 52% in men, with 93% of patients being Iranian. The majority of cases (59%) occur in rural areas, 39% in urban areas, and 2% among nomadic populations. The high urban infection rate is concerning due to environmental and hygiene
factors.