WHO donates Hepatitis C and Kala-azar medicines

Kathmandu, Bagmati Province - WHO has handed over medicines for treating Hepatitis C and kala-azar to the National Center for AIDS and STI Control (NCASC) and the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) respectively. This initiative underscores WHO's continued support to the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) in eliminating hepatitis and kala-azar in Nepal. The medicines, collectively valued at over US$ 55 000, will benefit 300 hepatitis patients and 200 kala-azar patients nationwide. Following the handover, chronic Hepatitis C treatment services will be initiated at selected health facilities, targeting high-risk population such as people who inject drugs and people living with HIV. Kala-azar treatment as a second-line regimen combination therapy will be used for visceral leishmaniasis. WHO Nepal will continue to provide technical assistance at both federal and sub-national levels, ensuring the correct use, storage and uninterrupted supply of these medicines, alongside monitoring treatment outcomes.