**1. Introduction**

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the main causes of progressive liver disease worldwide, making it a major public health issue. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates indicate that more than 185 million people around the world have been infect‐ ed with HCV, of whom 350,000 die each year [1].

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HCV induces chronic infection in up to 80% of infected individuals. One third of those who become chronically infected are predicted to develop cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its high prevalence, most people infected with the virus are unaware of their infection.

The purpose of this chapter is to give an overview on HCV and existing treatments and to outline recent innovations in the treatment of HCV patients. To do this, a broad search of the published literature has been undertaken. The search included epidemiology of HCV, its natural history, the risk factors involved, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of HCV, all of which have been graded on the best available evidence. The ultimate purpose is to improve HCV patient care and to promote and encourage the multidisciplinary care required in the treatment of these patients.
