Tengiz Tsertsvadze, head of the Infectious Diseases and AIDS Center, on Friday announced the launch of a state program aimed at eliminating hepatitis B in Georgia.
In a social media post, Tsertsvadze stated that diagnostic studies and antiviral treatment would be provided free of charge to patients within the program.
“Given the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B in Georgia’s population, this program’s implementation holds significant importance for early patient detection, ensuring their access to treatment, and consequently, preventing adverse disease outcomes,” he noted.
He specified that Georgian citizens, including previously undiagnosed individuals to be screened for HBsAg, and patients with confirmed chronic hepatitis B, whether untreated or undergoing antiviral therapy, would benefit from the program. Those testing negative for HBsAg would undergo screening for anti-HBc total antibodies and, if results were negative, would receive free hepatitis B vaccinations through the state immunization program.
Tsertsvadze added that patients with chronic hepatitis B would initially receive medical evaluations, including consultations with doctors, liver elastography to assess liver damage, and ultrasound examinations of abdominal organs as part of the program.
He also highlighted Georgia’s successful hepatitis C elimination program, in which the Center played a pivotal role as one of the main drivers, resulting in over 86,000 chronic hepatitis C patients having been cured nationwide.
