Before 2018, treating Hepatitis C in Mauritius was complex, with limited access to care and unclear referral routes. Only one center provided treatment, and from 2005 to 2018, merely about 100 patients received it. Recognizing the urgency to meet WHO's goal of eliminating Hepatitis C by 2030, significant changes were imperative.
The Ministry of Health and Quality of Life, in collaboration with Dr. Moreea, a Consultant Gastroenterologist from the UK, organized a pivotal Conference on Hepatitis C. This event, featuring renowned international speakers, paved the way for national guidelines and the establishment of the National Committee for Viral Hepatitis (NVCL).
The NVCL played a crucial role in decentralizing Hepatitis C treatment across Mauritius, extending services even to prisons. As a result, Mauritius has emerged as a leading nation in Africa, making significant strides toward achieving Hepatitis C Elimination.
This progress signifies a monumental step forward in ensuring better health outcomes for individuals affected by Hepatitis C across the country.
International Speakers
Dr Moreea
Consultant Gastroenterologist, Bradford University Hospital, UK
Professor Graham Foster
Professor of Hepatology at Queen Mary University of London, Clinical Lead for Hepatology, Barts Health
Professor Esmat
Professor at Endemic Medicine and Hepato-gastroenterology Department, Cairo University; Ex- Vice President of Cairo University for Graduate Studies and Research; Ex-Director of Clinical Research Unit, Hepatitis C Project, International Health Division, University of Maryland Baltimore; Ex-President of IASL (International Association for the Study of the Liver)
Professor Sonderup
Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Division of Hepatology; Member of WHO Strategic Advisory Committee on Viral Hepatitis
Dr Andy Ustianowski
Infectious Diseases Specialist and Research Lead, Regional Infectious Diseases Unit, Manchester, UK