2023-08-01 04:00:00
A new hepatitis C virus prevention campaign is aimed at vulnerable people and drug users.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Infectious Diseases Service of the CHL and association partners, is mobilizing to reduce the risk of hepatitis and facilitate access to screening. Including hepatitis C which can be completely cured by treatment. With the objective of “eliminating the virus by 2030”, indicates the ministry which launched a new awareness campaign this semester. Particular attention is paid to drug users and people in precarious situations.
A first phase of information has just been completed. A second, in progress, will last until September 15 with the establishment of screening hotlines in dedicated centers. Two others will follow, from November 15 to December 31, for people who should receive treatment.
As a reminder, hepatitis C is mainly transmitted by contact with contaminated blood, such as the injection of narcotic products, uncontrolled transfusions, tattoos made with non-sterile material, as well as by the fact of inhaling drugs or having sex with exposure to blood. Oral antiviral treatments make it possible to cure more than 95% of patients, underlines the ministry. However, untreated hepatitis C can lead to liver cirrhosis or cancer. Early diagnosis can therefore help limit the risks, including transmission. Note that treatments for hepatitis C are fully covered by Social Security or the Ministry of Health.
Thousands of people affected
Even if there are no precise figures in Luxembourg, the authorities estimate that “several thousand people have chronic hepatitis B or C”. Pregnant women, during their prenatal follow-up, applicants for international protection, as well as prisoners are among the groups at risk subject to systematic screening. “This practice has made it possible to significantly reduce the number of cases of active hepatitis C among new prisoners, dropping from 11% to 3% between 2010 and 2021”, assures the Ministry of Health.
But there are other populations at risk for whom access to screening is limited. This is the case of people who find themselves in a situation of social insecurity, illegal residence or homelessness, who do not benefit from adequate social security coverage or who are apprehensive regarding seeking medical care.
Any adult who has never been screened for either hepatitis can make an appointment with a general practitioner or any other practitioner by going to the screening consultation of the infectious diseases department of the CHL. A blood test can be prescribed in order to carry out a rapid test, in particular at the permanence of the HIV Berodung service of the Red Cross. Note that it is also possible to get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
For any additional information, visit Red Cross website.
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