A decade ago, Egypt was grappling with one of the highest rates of hepatitis C in the world. The viral infection, transmitted through contact with infected blood, causes liver damage and can be fatal. However, by 2023, Egypt had made significant progress in eradicating the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognized Egypt as the first country on track to completely eliminate hepatitis C by 2030, a feat described by the WHO’s director-general as “nothing short of astounding.”
Dr. Khaled Kabil played a crucial role in leading Egypt’s efforts to combat hepatitis C. As head of Egypt’s National Committee for Prevention and Control of Viral Hepatitis since its establishment in 2006, Dr. Kabil spearheaded a nationwide testing and treatment campaign that helped reduce the prevalence of hepatitis C to below 1% of the population. This remarkable achievement was made possible through a groundbreaking deal to purchase antiviral drugs at a significant discount and produce generic versions of treatments locally for even lower costs.
Under Dr. Kabil’s leadership, Egypt established 150 treatment centers across the country that reached millions of individuals in need. The success of this campaign has been so remarkable that Egypt has started donating hepatitis C medications to other African nations to support progress in neighboring countries and contribute to global health on a larger scale.
