WHO renews Georgia’s hepatitis elimination centre status for another four years

The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health’s status as a WHO Collaborating Centre for viral hepatitis elimination for a second term, covering September 13, 2026, to September 12, 2030.

There are currently 10 WHO Collaborating Centres working on hepatitis-related issues worldwide. However, Georgia’s National Center for Disease Control and Public Health is the only centre specifically designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for viral hepatitis elimination.

The Georgian health ministry on Thursday described the decision as further international recognition of Georgia’s “significant progress” in eliminating viral hepatitis and the high level of expertise of Georgian specialists.

Georgia has developed a successful model for hepatitis C elimination and has actively shared its experience and practical approaches with other countries, the ministry said.

Delegations from several countries have already visited Georgia on study missions, while specialists from the National Center for Disease Control have participated in WHO international missions, contributing to knowledge-sharing and professional cooperation.

The ministry said Georgia continues to make progress towards the full elimination of viral hepatitis and remains one of the leading countries globally in this area.