A decade ago, Egypt was grappling with one of the highest rates of hepatitis C in the world. However, in 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) hailed Egypt as the first country on track to completely eradicate the disease by 2030. This remarkable achievement was described by the WHO’s director-general as “nothing short of astounding.”
Much of this success can be attributed to Dr. Khaled Kabil, who has been leading the charge against hepatitis C in Egypt since 2006 as the head of the National Committee for Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis. Under his leadership, Egypt launched a nationwide testing and treatment campaign that has been instrumental in bringing the prevalence of hepatitis C in the country to below 1%.
One of the key factors in Egypt’s progress has been the availability of affordable antiviral drugs, thanks to a deal that allowed the country to purchase them at a discounted price and manufacture generic versions locally for even less. In addition, Kabil oversaw the establishment of 150 treatment centers across Egypt, which have provided care to millions of people.
Egypt’s success in combatting hepatitis C has been so significant that it has begun donating antiviral drugs to other African nations. Through these initiatives, Egypt is not only improving its own health and well-being but also playing a crucial role in advancing public health on a global scale.
