Hepatitis C: public health strategies

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major global public health problem, As with ma ny recently discovered diseases, there is still considerable controversy wi thin the scientific community regarding the prevalence, incidence and socio -economic burden of acute and chronic hepatitis C, New infections continue to occur, Given the substantial morbidity and mortality attributable to HCV -related chronic liver disease, each country, irrespective of its economic status, should develop an HCV-related public health plan for the prevention of new HCV infections. The source of HCV infection includes transfusion of blood or blood products from unscreened donors, transfusion of blood produ cts that have not undergone viral inactivation, parenteral exposure to bloo d through the use of contaminated and inadequately sterilized instruments a nd needles used in medical, dental and "traditional" medicine, individuals undergoing procedures such as haemodialysis, persons who participate in hig h risk sexual practices, household or sexual contacts with HCV-infected per sons and infants of HCV-infected mothers, In many countries, the relative c ontribution of the various sources of infection has not been defined with p opulation-based epidemiological studies. Wherever possible, such studies sh ould be performed to enable countries to prioritise their preventive measur es and to make the most appropriate use of available resources.