Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and a key factor in the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. While HCV can be cured with direct-acting antiviral drugs, access to care remains limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where the virus represents 80% of the global burden. The ongoing challenges include a lack of awareness, stigma, insufficient infrastructure, and the high cost of treatment. Screening for HCV, particularly in high-risk populations like intravenous drug users and pregnant women, is crucial. The World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate HCV as a public health threat by 2030, but the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted these efforts, reducing testing and diagnosis rates.

Despite these obstacles, the development of machine learning algorithms, liver organoids, and liver-on-chip models is advancing HCV research and may help improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment effectiveness. In addition, reducing the cost of antiviral medications is essential for achieving global HCV eradication. While HCV is now treatable and curable, particularly in pediatric populations, the global effort to combat it requires coordinated international surveillance, reduced treatment costs, and continued public education to eliminate stigma. If these challenges are addressed, there is potential for the worldwide elimination of HCV by 2030.

Reference: Kerkar N, Hartjes K. Hepatitis C Virus-Pediatric and Adult Perspectives in the Current Decade. Pathogens. 2024;14(1):11. doi: 10.3390/pathogens14010011.