Faith-based organization tackles U.S. Hepatitis C epidemic
Baby Boomers make up 75% of HCV cases
The numbers are sobering: While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3.2 million Americans are currently infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), the World Health Organization (WHO) further estimates that a staggering 130–150 million people globally have a chronic HCV infection and that 350 000 to 500 000 people die each year from HCV-related liver diseases. The vast majority of those infected with the HCV virus—the leading cause of advanced liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver transplants—are unaware and asymptomatic.
Since the virus often goes undetected, individuals often unknowingly transmit the disease to others. Even those who are aware of their HCV positive status face barriers relating to exorbitant drug costs, which can currently reach a prohibitive $1,000 a pill. One recent report even cited a “jaw-dropping” prediction that spending on HCV treatment would surge by more than 100% in 2014 and by more than 200% in both 2015 and 2016.