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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis and chronic liver disease. Globally, an estimated 130–170 million people are chronically infected with HCV and 3–4 million are newly infected each year.

HCV is spread primarily by direct contact with human blood and mainly transmitted parenterally and vertically (from mother to child). The major causes of HCV infection worldwide are use of unscreened blood transfusions and re-use of needles and syringes that have not been adequately sterilized. Sharing of needles, syringes and paraphernalia by injecting drug users is another significant contribution, especially in the WHO European Region. Chronic hepatitis C leads to higher risks of developing cirrhosis and cancer of the liver.

At present, no vaccine against HCV is available. Several approaches are currently in development. Effective preventive measures include: screening, testing of blood and organ donors, virus-inactivating processing of plasma-derived products, good infection control and safe injection practices in health care settings.

Chronic hepatitis C can be successfully treated with combination therapy including pegilated forms of interferon plus ribavirin. Antiviral agents are under development.