Ireland 'well behind' in reaching global target to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030

Sinn Féin health spokesperson David Cullinane was told Ireland is now ''challenged' in reaching a World Health Organisation target of elimination of hepatitis C by 2030. File picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins 

Ireland is “well behind” in reaching a global target to eliminate
hepatitis C by 2030, with poor access to treatment outside Dublin highlighted as one reason for “missing thousands” of undiagnosed patients.

A report published on Wednesday and discussed at the Oireachtas health committee also found geographic disparities between access to care in prisons. A treatment programme announced for Cork Prison is not yet open because of staffing issues, the committee was told.