A decade ago, Egypt had the highest number of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) cases in the world, according to a September 2022 report by the World Economic Forum. A widespread campaign to treat schistosomiasis-a disease caused by parasitic worms in the second half of the 20th century had unwittingly spread HCV, and by 2015, 10% of people in Egypt between the ages of 15 and 59 had the disease. Fast forward eight years, and today it is on track to be the first country in the world to completely eliminate HCV within its borders.
It has achieved this thanks to a national screening and treatment program launched by the Egyptian government in 2014, which saw government departments, non-profit providers, international organizations such as the WHO and the World Bank, and private players working together to test and treat the population. In particular, local drug manufacturer Pharco Pharmaceuticals played its part by creating and producing affordable and effective direct-acting antivirals. By 2020, Egypt had screened more than 60 million people for HCV and successfully treated over four million.
Pharco is currently working on an African project, "A Billion Lives Matter," in line with the UN SDGs, which aims to test and treat 90% of Hepatitis B and C patients in Africa by 2030. "Approximately 8% of the African population is infected with Hepatitis B and 2% with Hepatitis C," says Sherine Hassan Helmy, CEO of Pharco Pharmaceuticals. "To get a firm grip on your future, you need to rewrite the rules of the game. We want to help humankind by creating new, high-quality products and have them available to the consumer at affordable prices."
This story is from the March 2023 edition of Forbes Middle East - English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2023 edition of Forbes Middle East - English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Reasons To Seek Adventure
Whether it’s the exhilaration of free-falling out of the sky or the thrill of being immersed among the shark-filled reefs of the Indian Ocean, adventure enthusiasts are drawn by the allure of life-changing experiences. Here are some reasons why.
THE MIDDLE EAST'S 30 MOST VALUABLE BANKS 2024
MENA’s banking sector has shown resilience over the last year, supported by higher interest rates and oil prices.
INVESTING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr, Cofounders of Egypt-based digital investment platform Thndr, are facing competition from brokerages and investment banks to democratize investing. Having seen exponential growth in four years, they’re now looking at expanding to the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia.
THE MIDDLE EAST'S FINTECH 50
Despite a sharp decline in funding in 2023, the Middle East’s fintechs have embraced new technologies and expansion and remained resilient in the face of challenges such as high interest rates and geopolitical uncertainties.
A Destination Beyond Expectations
Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital, pulsates with energy and visitors are invited to unwind a rich tapestry woven with history, art, gastronomy, and natural beauty.
LEANING IN
Hisham Al-Falih, Ashu Gupta, Aditya Sarkar, and Mehdi Tazi, Cofounders of Saudi-based Lean Technologies, have created one of the region's leading third-party regulated open banking platforms with $37 million in funding. Now, they're planning another funding round and expansion across key markets.
A Blueprint For Sustained Growth In The World Of EPC
NMDC Group demonstrates how strategic foresight, robust financial growth, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation are fueling its ongoing expansion and diversification in the EPC industry.
A Red Sea Escape That Has It All
From family fun to fine dining and comfortable workspaces, there is something for everyone at the stunning Zouni Beach in El Gouna, Egypt.
TRADITION TO INNOVATION
Ahmed Wadi, Founder and CEO of Money Fellows, Egypt’s biggest ROSCA platform, has been addressing the cash-centric country’s financial challenges by digitizing traditional money circles. Now, he has even bigger plans.
Seventy-Five Years Of Fashion Influence
Gedeon Group has long been at the forefront of fashion retail in the Middle East and Africa, and with the third generation now at the helm, the business is continuing its legacy into the future.
