On October 2, Tbilisi State Medical University hosted a public discussion on HCV Elimination Program.

In discussion participated: the representatives of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, patients participating in HCV Elimination Program and a leading specialists of the program, as well as, organizers of Hepatitis C communication campaign. Discussion was attended by academic staff  and students of  TSMU. The importance of HCV Elimination Program, strategy and goals were discussed at the meeting. Also, the achievements and challenges around the program were presented. 

Maia Butsashvili, leading infectionist, participant of HCV Elimination Program and Director of research NGO “Health Research Union”, talked about the situation in Georgia and around the world in terms of disease dissemination. She also Introduced to the audience the ways of transmission, detection and treatment of hepatitis C.

A patient involved in HCV Elimination Program and Chairman of the Association of Cured Patients Mr Temur Radiani, shared his personal experience with the audience presented at the discussion.   "I call our history - "the history of fighting for life". I was able to get involved in the program at very important time that gave me the opportunity to defeat the disease and I think this result is equal to the second birthday" he noted. 

Maia Tsereteli, representative of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, talked about the role of the Center in implementation of HCV Elimination Program including improvement of related laboratory services and raising public awareness. Maia Tsereteli emphasized the importance of the involvement of Tbilisi State Medical University administration and students in this project and thanked them for the activities to support raising public awareness in this regard.  Professors and students participating in the public discussion have been given the opportunity to ask questions about the topics and get the competent responses. In parallel with the discussion was provided free screening for Hepatitis.

We want to inform you that within the framework of State Health Promotion Program, HCV Elimination Program is being implemented since 2015. The cure rate is equal to 98%! You can get detailed information on the official Facebook page of HCV Elimination Program.