The problem of elimination of HCV infections in Poland.

The article concerns abbreviated presentation of the results obtained in the Project KIK / 35 “Prevention of HCV infection,” sponsored by the Government of the Swiss Federation and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Poland. The Project concerned the analysis of the prevalence of HCV infection in the adult population in Poland, the risk factors and groups at risk of these infections. Two sub-projects were related to separate subpopulations: pregnant women and drug users. Research in one sub-project focused on the hazards of HCV infections in medical institutions and non-medical facilities, where the procedures are performed with the interruption of tissue. In all sub-projects were carried out surveys, which served to check the knowledge ofn HCV infections, but also practical measures aimed at preventing these infections. One of the sub projects KIK / 35 “Education of medical staff and nonmedical as a key element in the prevention of blood-borne infections” was devoted entirely to the education of professionals responsible for the proper, safety, performance of procedures running with interruption of tissues.“ The results of these studies revealed significant shortcomings in the detection of existing infections and large gaps in knowledge about prevention. Taking into account the range of expertise needed, it turned out that the lack of information applies to both the general public and to many professionals. The project KIK / 35 in its summary refers to the risks of HCV infection, both known from the literature and disclosed the specificity of our country. The ultimate result of the Project NCI / 35 is to develop a strategy for the elimination of HCV infections in Poland. This strategy, strongly linked to the WHO strategy includes integrated, permanent preventive measures related tot he introduction of screening programs for early detection of HCV infections and treat them as important element in prevention. Special emphasis was put on universal access to diagnosis and treatment for all social groups.