Collaborative Center on Viral Hepatitis Elimination has been launched at the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health. Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia, opened the event.

Zurab Azarashvili presented goals of the Center to the invitees and noted that universal access to treatment and diagnosis of viral hepatitis had significantly decreased the burden of the disease.

According to the Minister, the decision of the WHO on opening Collaborative Center demonstrates recognition of significant progress of State Hepatitis C Elimination Program and represents strong support of the international partners.

Namely, granting status of collaborative center means elaboration of National Hepatitis C elimination plans and testing strategies, monitoring, enhanced capacities of diagnostic laboratories, right and responsibility of sharing successful experience.

The event was attended by representatives of the WHO, local and international partners participating in Hepatitis C elimination process, field experts.