An integrated program screened almost 50 million residents and provided free antiviral treatment to more than 2 million HCV-infected individuals. Egypt has a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, attributed to past schistosomiasis treatment with unsafe injections. In 2018, the Ministry of Health began a program to screen for and treat HCV. To reach a target population of 62.5 million, residents were screened at multiple healthcare and other sites using a WHO-approved rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that analyzed finger-prick samples for HCV antibodies. Participation was encouraged by a massive national campaign using television, radio, text messaging, and other media. The program was supported by the Egyptian president. Officials negotiated low prices for diagnostics and treatment drugs.
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