The fourth batch of anti-hepatitis C drugs in 2024 arrived in Uzbekistan from Egypt on February 17, Dunyo reports. This collaborative effort promises hope for thousands of patients battling this silent menace.
Egypt’s Commitment to Combat Hepatitis
- On February 17, the fourth batch of anti-hepatitis C drugs, specifically Sofosbuvir-400, arrived. These humanitarian aids, allocated by the Egyptian government, comprise 6,720 drugs packed in 12 boxes. The Research Institute of Virology will ensure their distribution to those in need.
- The Egyptian government, in a forward-looking move, has pledged to deliver a total of 800,000 units of essential medications free of charge. These include Daclatasvir and Sofosbuvir for hepatitis C and Entecavir for hepatitis B. The estimated cost of this comprehensive initiative stands at $4.2mn.
- Throughout 2023, Uzbekistan received these medications in stages, with a total value of $696,000.
Treatment Calculations and Cost Savings
Experts emphasize that a full 3-month course of treatment typically requires 3 packs each of Daclatasvir and Sofosbuvir. In Egypt, this regimen costs approximately $31. However, in Uzbekistan, the estimated cost has been $100 until this year.
The 800,000 pieces of medicine provided by Egypt will touch the lives of 133,000 patients in Uzbekistan. Remarkably, if these drugs were procured at current international prices, the state budget would have borne a burden of $13.3mn. These funds, now saved, are poised to revolutionize healthcare.
With the budgetary relief, Uzbekistan aims to expand population screening for hepatitis. The goal: 1mn screenings to identify viruses and pave the way for complete eradication.
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