Earlier this month, Malaysia’s Drug Control Authority granted conditional registration of a new drug to treat hepatitis C. This move was hailed by many as another step towards eliminating hepatitis C, making treatment both more affordable and accessible in low- and middle-income countries like Malaysia. Why was this hailed as a new milestone and how long will it take before we achieve a hepatitis-free world? We find out from Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, National Head of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, and Jean-Michel Piedagnel, Director, Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) Southeast Asia.

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