CAIRO: The National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI) launched earlier this week the Virus C Free Child Project offering 1,000 children free treatment for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Egypt. Funded by the Ministry of Health in Egypt, the Egyptian Liver Care Society (ECLS), the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD) and the Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC), the project aims to provide free treatment for children aged 3-18 during its trial phase until April 2011. Hepatitis C is caused by infection with HCV, which can infect liver cells and cause severe inflammation of the liver with long-term complications. Ever since HCV's discovery in 1989, according to the national demographic health survey, Egypt has the highest prevalence of HCV worldwide, with up to 9.8 percent infected, and 14 percent exposed to it in the population. “It is not the first time children get free treatment for HCV in Egypt,” said Dr Manal El-Sayed, Member of the National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis (NCCVH) and Professor of Paediatrics at Ain Shams University, “However, the novelty of this project is that it is on a national scale, includes larger funding and involves a lot more patients.” The national demographic health survey also states that 4 percent, or 1 in every 1,000 children, are infected with HCV in Egypt. Since 2006, after the commencement of the previous HCV project for adults, approximately 110,000 patients were treated for free. El-Sayed, however, believes there is still a long way to go, since “Out of the cases we are aware of, every year there are 140,000 new infections.” Dr Suzan Al Naghy, assistant professor in Paediatrics at NHTMRI, said, “The project treatment will take place in six centers all over Egypt.” Al Naghy added, “In terms of doses under this project, children have to take Ribavirin in the form of tablets or syrup every day, and an Interferon injection once every week. All medication and treatment is completely free.” Dr Hanan Mina, assistant director for the Virus C Free Child Project , said, “After treatment commences, every three months signs of improvement will be assessed. If there have not been any changes, medication will be stopped, since the injection may have side effects and since funds are low.” Dr Khaled Kabil, executive director of the Egyptian Liver Care Society, and project director for the Virus C Free Child Project said, “Because of Interferon's strength and side effects, not everybody can get treatment. For example, children cannot be treated if infected with another disease such as extreme liver fibrosis or cancer.” Kabil added, “Priority sometimes needs to be given to other diseases.” “Therefore, we have created a hotline available 24 hours a day, in case the infected children suffer from any drug side effects outside of visiting hours.” Shahd Mahmoud, 5, daughter of a factory worker unable to afford treatment, was the first patient to be given medication under the project. She was infected with HCV when she was 3 years old through a blood transfusion after having removed her cancerous kidney in an operation. Sanaa Ateya Khalil, 17, another HCV patient, is concerned with the social and economic consequences of being treated. After being taken out of school by her father in 1st grade, Khalil has been working as a maid at a home for the past 5 years. “I fear for losing my job, as it sustains my family.” Aya Aly Sayed, 8, is also among the patients to be provided with free HCV treatment. “Both my mother and brother were previously infected with HCV, which is how I also got infected.” Ibrahim Gomaa Mansour, 12 and his brother Reda, are also both infected with HCV, and have been unable to attend school. However, they say they do not know where they got the virus. El Sayed also mentioned other factors to be included in the project. “Our next step, which is currently being planned, is to create a free mass screening program for children in Egypt.” “There is currently no vaccine for HCV since it is a constantly changing virus, and has six different genotypes, each with many subtypes as well,” El Sayed added. She also emphasized the key role spreading awareness plays in this project. “We are also preparing a huge awareness campaign, which will include flyers in pharmacies, working with Egyptian cartoonists on national TV, creating a movie, and even creating a drama series with actor Amr Rateb and actress Yousra.” El Sayed stressed, “It is crucial for the public to get screened, especially if a member of the family is infected. Without a good awareness program, money funded for treatment is virtually thrown away.”
