“Prevention of hepatitis C epidemic in Ukraine” – NGOs’ resolution on the ways to fight epidemic

As a result of the meeting, a resolution on three main areas was worked out:

• Advocacy at national and regional level and allocation of funding
• Mobilization and development of communities that are directly affected by the epidemic of hepatitis C or those at risk
• Expanding access to treatment and prevention.

During the meeting participants highlighted the positive experience of some regions of Ukraine, which have already allocated funds for the hepatitis C program, presented different approaches to protection of the most vulnerable groups, and discussed how to test those people who do not know their status and ensure quality care to those who have already been diagnosed the disease.

Participants also recognized the need to include a component on hepatitis C into the next application to the Global Fund for the 10th round. The deadline for submission of the relevant application is August 20, 2010.

It should be noted that a meeting has become a logical continuation of the round table, held beforehand in the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, and which was dedicated to the issue of fighting virus hepatitis. Thus, the problem of hepatitis C is gradually receiving due attention from the state, and thereby involvement of all stakeholders and unification of efforts will enable changes in the epidemic.

Information Portal on hepatitis C in Ukraine http://hepatit.org.ua/