An Egyptian doctor makes a test under the '100 million lives' campaign aimed at eradicating Hepatitis C (Photo: Reuters)
The Egyptian government has dismissed reports that a fine of EGP 2,500 would be imposed on those who abstain from being screened for Hepatitis C as part of the government's '100 million lives' campaign, in which more than 21 million Egyptians have been tested for the virus.
In an official statement, the cabinet said the campaign, launched in October, offers tests to Egyptians free of charge, and does not seek profit.
The cabinet said that the reports circulated on social media are "unfounded rumours that aim to defame the campaign and undermine its efforts."
On Monday, the country's health ministry said that around 21,510, 820 Egyptians have been screened for Hepatitis C and non-communicable diseases as part of the campaign.
Over the past three years, Egypt has been using a variety of new medications to combat the virus.
The health ministry has vowed to completely eliminate the disease from Egypt by 2022.
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