The service aims to improve access to hepatitis C care for at-risk people in Armenia. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS defines this group of people as those who are at increased risk of HIV infection and other diseases such as hepatitis C. People in this group experience a greater prevalence of mental health issues and other health risks, while often enduring marginalization.
Helping an underserved group
"In the negotiation stage of the project, we feared that the key population was not ready to seek medical care, but thanks to teamwork, we managed to identify and include people in difficult situations, treating and alleviating their burden while respecting medical ethics. Now I can proudly state that the project is well established and hepatitis C treatment is now available to the key population groups," said Armine Zohrabyan, deputy head of the health department of Yerevan municipality.
The project aims to help facilitate access to care and eventually help reach Armenia’s goal to eliminate hepatitis C nationwide. The World Health Organization raises the hepatitis C virus as a public health concern in Armenia.
Since the start of the project at Arshakunyats Health Center last year, 445 people have begun treatment and 113 have successfully completed treatment.
“Being a patient with this disease myself, I sought care and... I can't find words to describe the level of care with which they have received me, accommodated me, and examined me—with everything free of charge. Thank God, today I am maybe 99.9 percent cured. Thank you all," said Sevak, a former patient.
