Free treatment for hepatitis B, C, and D and patient support: training sessions for specialists were held in Kyiv

How can you help someone who has tested positive for hepatitis? What is the proper treatment pathway for patients in Ukraine, and where can you find free hepatitis medication?

These pressing issues formed the basis of the training seminars “Social and Medical Support for People with Viral Hepatitis B, C, and D,” which took place on May 6 and 13, 2026, in Kyiv. The training, organized by the Kyiv City Center for Social Services with the participation of a BCD expert, brought together social workers, medical professionals, and representatives of civil society organizations.

The training sessions took place at the Vcentri HUB in the Holosiivskyi district and the “Family Home” Family Center, where specialists learned how to effectively support patients and combat stigma.

📊 Hepatitis statistics in Ukraine: why is this a widespread problem?

Viral hepatitis remains one of the greatest challenges to the country’s public health, a challenge that has significantly worsened amid the war. During the seminar, a BCD representative presented the latest analytical data (as of March 2026):

• More than 2 million Ukrainians are infected with viral hepatitis C.
• Approximately 1.49 million people have chronic hepatitis C.
• Only a small fraction of them are aware of their diagnosis and are under medical supervision.
• A similar critical gap between the actual number of patients and official statistics is also observed for hepatitis B and D (delta).

That is why the main task of social services is to help people recognize the first symptoms of hepatitis in time, undergo diagnosis, and begin treatment.

🛑 Debunking myths: Is there free treatment for hepatitis C in Ukraine?

Social workers face patients’ barriers and fears every day. Many people still believe in outdated stereotypes. During the training, experts thoroughly debunked the main myths:

• Myth 1: “Hepatitis is a disease of marginalized groups.” 
• Reality: The virus does not discriminate based on social status. You can become infected during a manicure, tattooing, or medical or dental procedures if sterilization protocols are not followed.
• Myth 2: “Hepatitis treatment costs a fortune.” 
• Reality: Today, Ukraine has government programs in place that provide access to high-quality, free medications for hepatitis B and C.
• Myth 3: “People at work will find out about my diagnosis.”
• Reality: Information about a patient’s status is strictly confidential and protected by law.

🛡️ The patient’s step-by-step journey: the role of BCD in overcoming barriers

Yuriy Voynalovych, Executive Director of the NGO BCD, presented a practical report to participants on the psychological and economic difficulties faced by patients. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and people who have lost their jobs or homes are particularly vulnerable.

When a person receives a positive rapid test result, they are often in a state of shock or fear. The specialist’s task is to provide the right support without pressure or judgment, explaining the next steps:

1. Confirmation stage: A positive rapid test is not yet a definitive diagnosis. A PCR test must be taken to confirm the presence of the virus in the blood.
2. Additional diagnostics: Assessment of liver function (Fibroscan, liver enzyme tests).
3. Receiving treatment: Referral to a specialist infectious disease physician to receive modern direct-acting antiviral medications free of charge.

💻 The bcd.org.ua website — a digital assistant for patients and social workers

Special attention was paid at the seminar to the new website of the BCD public organization. The portal was created as a simple and easy-to-use online guide for anyone looking for answers to the following questions:

• Where can you get a free hepatitis test in your city?
• Which hepatitis vaccines are mandatory, and how can you protect your family?
• How does the free hepatitis treatment program work during wartime?

For social workers, this resource can serve as a handy tool that allows them to quickly orient a patient, provide them with reliable medical information without complex terminology, and refer them to the appropriate specialist.

BCD continues to expand its educational programs and advocate for access to modern medicine in Ukraine. Remember: hepatitis is curable, and help is close at hand.

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