Viral hepatitis C (HCV) is one of the most discussed chronic infectious diseases globally. The number of globally infected people by this virus is approximately 170 million. In Europe, it has even crossed the mark of 9 million!
In order to combat the alarming rise of this disease, a study was conducted to read it in detail. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of the Hepatitis C virus and its antibodies as well as the prevalence of the HCV virus (HCV-RNA prevalence) in Latvia. It is one of the countries that have the highest rates of high-risk opioid use and injecting drug use in Europe.
Hepatitis C Situation in Latvia
Hepatitis C has infected almost 2% of the total Latvian populace. Thus, on average, one in 50 people in Latvia has HCV infection.
The predominant Hepatitis C genotype is 1 in the country. It is estimated about 80% of the total Hepatitis C infections in Latvia are along with Hepatitis C genotype 1.
Hepatitis C Issues and Challenges in Latvia
Although importing generic Hepatitis C medications to Latvia is a fairly simple task, a majority of Latvians don’t do so. This happens because the information about affordable generic Hepatitis C medicines is not easily available. Hepatitis C treatment cost in Latvia is also high.
As the transmission and undefined risk factors are high, Latvia is going through the grave challenge to develop the most accurate screening approach as per WHO targets. It is noteworthy that HCV is high in males (3%) as compared to females (1%). It is comparatively low in health care professionals (1.2%) than the general populace (1.7%).
As per diligent studies, it is evident that HCV gets cured with treatment, and cases of fibrosis drop. This is an important point when it comes to the lessening risk of liver cirrhosis, decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical trials are, however, necessary to add to this evidence.
Source: researchgate
Hepatitis C Treatment in Latvia
Currently, the number of PLHIV (People Living with HIV/AIDS) being treated in Latvia is going through a low phase. Possibly, this is happening because of excessively restrictive treatment protocols as well as services that are not easily accessible, and challenges that are being retained in care.
As the cost of Hepatitis C treatment in Latvia is high.
Source: emcdda
HARVONI (ledipasvir and sofosbuvir) tablets are used for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic Hepatitis C genotype 1 especially. but the cost of Hep C treatment in Latvia is high.
On the other hand, Hepatitis C treatment cost in India is quite affordable. No wonder, people from across the continents including Latvia in this case flock to India for affordable and trustworthy treatment.
Generic Harvoni cost in India is INR 25000 for a pack of 28 tablets. Similarly, the Generic Epclusa cost in India by Natco is INR 18,500 for a bottle of 28 tablets.
Hepatitis C treatment in Latvia was now possible with generic DAAs.