A decade ago, Egypt was one of the countries with the highest rates of hepatitis C in the world. However, by 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) hailed Egypt as a country on track to completely eradicate the disease by 2030. This achievement was described by WHO’s director-general as “nothing short of astounding.”
Dr. Khaled Kabil has been leading the charge against hepatitis C in Egypt since 2006, as head of the National Committee for Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis. Under his leadership, Egypt launched a nationwide testing and treatment campaign that brought the prevalence of hepatitis C in the country below 1%.
One of the key factors in Egypt’s progress has been access to affordable antiviral drugs. Thanks to a deal that allowed them to purchase these drugs at a discounted price and manufacture generic versions locally for even less, Egypt has been able to provide care to millions of people.
Egypt’s success in combatting hepatitis C has been so significant that it began donating antiviral drugs to other African nations in an effort to extend its impact beyond its borders and contribute to global health efforts on a larger scale. Through these initiatives, Egypt is not only improving the health and well-being of its own population but also playing a crucial role in advancing public health on a global scale.