The World Health Organization is calling for action to prevent infections and deaths from Hepatitis C, according to the Big News Network.
Here are five notes:
1. Hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of death with 150 million people infected with Hepatitis C each year.
2. Hepatitis B and C cause 1.5 million deaths every year.
3. A drug is available to cure almost every case of hepatitis C. Public health officials are working to elimination all forms of hepatitis.
4. Many individuals around the world cannot afford the drugs to cure Hepatitis C. A 12-week course of treatment cost $84,000 in wealthier countries. WHO projects prices will decrease in the future.
5. WHO is advocating for the exclusive use of sterilized syringes designed to prevent reuse. This will hopefully eliminate unsafe injections, which contribute to the high prevalence of hepatitis.
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