Shorena Kakabadze, Kutaisi
“We choose life” – on July 28 imitated election was organized in Kutaisi and in different cities of Georgia. Demonstrators dropped special “ballot papers” into the “ballot box” and voted for life and health. The demonstration was organized by member nongovernmental organizations of the Georgian Harm Reduction Network; they sent symbolic message to the government with the request of free medical assistance.
“July 28 is World Hepatitis Day. Based on the decision of the World Health Organization the day has been celebrated for years already. With the request of medical treatment for Hepatitis C Georgia joined the celebration of the day three years ago. As a result of last year demonstration pharmacological companies made 60% discount into the prices of the Hepatitis medicines. Consequently the medical treatment became more accessible, though it is not enough. It is incredible that there are effective medicines but sick people die because they cannot afford to buy medicines. So, our main request to the Government of Georgia is to ensure free medical treatment for C Hepatitis,” said Zaza Karchkhadze, co-founder of the nongovernmental organization Rubicon and coordinator of the Kutaisi office of the New Way.
According to statistic data, about 200 000 people have Hepatitis C in Georgia.