Cuomo launches working group on hepatitis C

ALBANY – The government Andrew M. Cuomo announced the formation of a working group to meet the growing needs in prevention and control Hepatitis C Treatment in the State Friday

The Strategy is a multi-pronged diagnostic, treatment and prevention effort, inspired by past public health initiatives of the state. to fight against HIV and AIDS.

Treatment of the blood-borne virus was underfunded. state and federal level for years, according to state health officials. To increase access to hepatitis C drugs, the governor is announcing a new $ 5 million funding for services, including education, patient navigation and treatment programs [19659010] "This holistic approach to eradicating hepatitis C is modeled on our ongoing efforts to end the AIDS epidemic, and will improve the health of many of the most vulnerable among us including people. fighting addiction, "said Cuomo." We will end hepatitis C in the state of New York. "

Treatment efforts have changed in 10 years. Health care focused on the generation of "baby boomers," but in recent years have seen a marked increase in diagnoses among young people, fueled by the growing epidemic of opioids in the state. deaths in rural and suburban areas New York since 2007, according to health officials. The diagnosis, which involves a two-step blood test, remains a challenge, as most people who are infected do not show symptoms for years.

"Because it's a silent disease, most people do not know that they have an infection – the symptoms of terminal liver disease," said Colleen Flanagan, director of the office. of New York's hepatitis health, formed within the state's Department of Health two years ago: "Is it possible to reach zero? If we can identify the individuals and heal them, we can significantly reduce transmission. "

A medical breakthrough in 2014 allowed patients with hepatitis C to be treated and cured in eight to twelve weeks. The direct-acting viral therapy program, administered orally, has little side effects and a 90 percent success rate. Previously, one year of treatment was given by injection, producing serious side effects and curing less than 50% of those infected with the virus

The new working group will include a steering committee and five subcommittees focused on priorities. areas, including prevention; access to care and treatment; tests and links with care; monitoring, data and metrics; Given that injecting drug users are the largest population affected by hepatitis C, the state will also expand its access to syringes at the state level, allowing registered pharmacies to register. to promote the availability of hypodermic syringes and needles without a prescription.

Medicaid-managed care plans have already begun to cover risk-reduction services, such as counseling and addiction treatment, as of July 1, 2018, making New York the first-ever country to do it.

The Ministry of Health will launch a public awareness campaign for all New Yorkers, with a targeted message aimed at populations at high risk of contracting hepatitis C.