2017-08-09
John C. Martin, CEO of Gilead and Gregg H. Alton, Executive Vice President of the company were awarded with Order of the Golden Fleece and Order of Honor, respectively for their extraordinary contribution to the elimination of hepatitis C in Georgia.
On behalf of the people and government of Georgia, Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili awarded the managers of the company after the meeting held at the Administration of the Government.
During the meeting together with David Sergeenko, the Minister of Labor, Health and Social Affairs, the head of the Government outlined the special role played by the antiviral drug manufacturer in the successful implementation of the unprecedented program on elimination of hepatitis C.
According to CEO of Gilead, John Martin outstanding progress was achieved as a result of implementing the program.
Conversation also touched upon the activities initiated by the Ministry of Health to screen the individuals infected with the virus.
Gregg Alton, Executive Vice President of Gilead indicated that Georgian program of elimination of hepatitis C shall be viewed as a globally exemplary model.
"It is good for the people of Georgia, but it also serves as a demonstration of what a country can do for its citizens, so we can show other countries the model that has been developed here in Georgia to eliminate hepatitis C globally"- Gregg Alton stated.
Starting from 2015, the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia has been implementing the Hepatitis C Elimination Programme with the support of the US Center for Disease Control and Gilead. The programme currently covers over 40 000 beneficiaries, including 31 000 individuals who have already finished the treatment course.
Prime Minister's Press Office