Hepatitis C is often referred to as the silent killer because the initial infection has few to no symptoms.
Overtime, however, the virus can cause liver damage, liver cancer, liver failure and ultimately death.
These pills, taken once a day for eight to 12 weeks, cure more than 95% of hepatitis C cases.
Hepatitis C contributed to the deaths of nearly 15,000 people in 2020, according to the CDC.
The Biden administration has asked Congress to approve $11 billion in funding for a national program to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030.
Persons:
Dr, Jonathan Mermin, Biden, Francis Collins
Organizations:
Gilead Sciences, U.S ., Centers for Disease Control, Health, CDC, White
Locations:
U.S