Abstract

Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection and HCV-Related Chronic Disease

Hamid Mohaghegh Shalmani, Mitra Ranjbar and Amir Houshang Mohammad Alizadeh

Hepatitis C virus is the main cause of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and also liver cancer. According to global health importance of hepatitis C, decreasing the burden of HCV infection and HCV-related disease is so important. It need to design and implement preventive activity against HCV infection by introducing primary and secondary prevention activities. Hepatitis C has no effective vaccine. Considering counseling and education of people to avoid risk factors, such as IV drug abusing and having multiple sex partners, are important primary prevention activities.Public health surveillance is an effective strategy to detect new cases, risk factors and burden of disease. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment by expert specialists can decrease hepatitis C and HCV- related diseases prevalence, disease sequel and burden of hepatitis C. Monitoring and assessment of preventive programs is required to identify the strength and weakness of program and to re-establish newer one.