Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare: Hepatitis C in Finland is mainly associated with intravenous drug use
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has published new information on the spread of hepatitis C in Finland. According to recent studies, the majority of hepatitis C infections in our country are still linked to intravenous drug use.
Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Although the disease can be transmitted in many ways, THL states that the sharing of drug injection equipment is the most significant route of transmission in Finland.
The agency emphasizes that preventing infections is extremely important for public health. Effective treatment methods are now widely available, but reaching those affected and guiding them into care remains a challenge. Health authorities are therefore striving to improve low-threshold services in order to reduce the number of infections.
In Finland, the development of infectious diseases is closely monitored so that the healthcare system can respond to the situation in a timely manner. THL reminds us that open discussion and the sharing of accurate information are key ways to reduce infections and promote the health of the population.