WHO recognises Georgia’s Hepatitis C elimination program as successful model

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has recognised Georgia’s Hepatitis C elimination program as a successful model, highlighting the country’s significant progress in reducing the burden of the infection, said on Thursday the Ministry of Health.

In its statement, the Ministry noted that the WHO’s 2026 Global Hepatitis Report highlighted the significant progress achieved by Georgia in sharply reducing the burden of infection.

The report assessed the results and challenges in combating viral hepatitis across the European region.

A WHO article published on the issue noted that Georgia’s experience represents a leading example of how a country can overcome the disease through strong political commitment, large-scale testing, and ensuring universal access to treatment.

Maya Tsereteli, Head of the HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Tuberculosis Division at the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) and Head of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Viral Hepatitis Elimination, commented on the recognition.

“Georgia’s Hepatitis C elimination program has demonstrated that elimination is not only a goal, but an achievable outcome. By expanding testing, ensuring access to treatment, and working closely with communities, we have significantly reduced the burden of Hepatitis C in the country. Our experience has shown that any country can make progress when hepatitis becomes a national priority”, Tsereteli said.

The international recognition further highlighted Georgia’s leadership in this field.

WHO is calling on countries across the European region to overcome barriers and use the experience of successful countries in order to achieve the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.