- In Mexico alone, it is estimated that there are 745,000 people with the hepatitis C virus.
- To inform patients, at least 220 thousand health professionals have received training on prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
- One of the goals of our country is to eradicate this disease by 2030.
There are diseases with such a high incidence that they have been normalized. Within this group is the hepatitis C and although it is curable, one of the biggest problems is that most patients are unaware of their condition. The lack of regular medical check-ups is one of the main reasons.
Now, in the case of our country, the Health Secretary (SSa) provides free treatment to people without social security. It has also delivered to the states more than 923 thousand rapid detection tests.
For its part, it is estimated that in Mexico there are 745,000 people living with the hepatitis C virus. The lack of treatment can lead to the development of chronic disease and the need for a liver transplant, says the National Center for HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control (Census).
In the World Hepatitis Daywhich is commemorated on July 28 and this year has the motto “Bringing hepatitis treatment closer to you”, through Censida, the National Hepatitis C Elimination Program.
Program objectives
- Ensure universal and free access to screening tests and medications.
- Primary health care that places people and communities at the center of the program.
- Staff training.
- Dissemination of information to the population about this disease.
- Development of a registration system.
With this strategy, between 2019 and 2022, the number of health units that provide detection and treatment services to people without social security increased from 37 to 169.
Training for medical personnel
While a total of 223 thousand 472 health professionals have received training on prevention, diagnosis and treatment, as well as on the reduction of risks associated with the consumption of psychoactive substances.
Likewise, telementoring is carried out that consists of support for first-level health professionals by medical specialists during patient care. This measure improves clinical practice and decision making.
Hepatitis C is an infection that, without treatment, causes inflammation and progressive deterioration of the liver that can cause cirrosis or cancer. The virus affects 185 million people in the world, so the World Hepatitis Day represents an opportunity to strengthen prevention, care and treatment services.
To achieve the elimination of hepatitis C in Mexico, timely detection and comprehensive care are essential. The screening test is available to all people, especially those who are exposed to risk factors:
- Those who have alterations in liver function tests.
- Blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1994.
- Reuse of needles, equipment or devices due to the consumption of psychoactive substances.
- Accidents with needles and sharps in the care of people in health units.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- Use of non-sterile medical material and equipment during hemodialysis.
- Sexual practices in which there is contact with blood.
- Use by more than two people of toothbrushes, razors or razors.
- Family members with cirrhosis or hepatitis C.
- Use of non-sterile or non-regulated materials for tattoos, piercings, permanent eyeliner, lips or eyebrows.
- Unregulated acupuncture and mesotherapy treatments.