AFFIDEA

A solidarity initiative involving the provision of free preventive diagnostic screening for Hepatitis C, carried out by appropriately trained personnel among inmates at the Korydallos Prison, recognizing the importance of prevention and early diagnosis, as well as the need for unhindered and equitable access to diagnostic services.

The initiative addressing the “silent” disease is part of the Affidea Group’s broader efforts to promote health, public awareness, and patient education, guided by a strong sense of responsibility and altruism.

Inmates at the Korydallos Correctional Facility.

Over the period 2024–2026.

Viral hepatitis, known to many as the “silent disease” due to its asymptomatic nature, represents a major public health issue. Hepatitis C is one of the most severe forms of liver disease. It is a blood-borne infection that primarily affects the liver. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) can remain “silent,” meaning without symptoms, for many years within the body, while still causing progressive liver damage. If left untreated, this damage may lead to liver cancer, liver failure, and potentially death.

In Greece, 8 out of 10 people living with hepatitis C are unaware that they are infected.

According to recent scientific data, approximately 135,000 people in Greece are living with chronic active hepatitis C, the vast majority of whom (80%) are unaware of their infection. Among diagnosed patients, only about 50% have received treatment. Chronic hepatitis C infection can progressively lead to liver fibrosis, which may develop into cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Initial symptoms are usually mild and resemble those of a common viral infection, such as fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal disturbances, and low-grade fever. Diagnosis is simple: a blood test performed in any microbiology laboratory can detect antibodies against the virus.

Hepatitis concerns everyone.

Since February 2019, a notification system has been implemented within the electronic prescription platform recommending anti-HCV testing for individuals born between 1945 and 1980, as well as for all high-risk groups. A major contributing factor to the widespread burden of the disease, both in Greece and globally, is the lack of adequate public awareness regarding transmission routes. The World Health Organization and its 194 member states, including Greece, have committed to the elimination of hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. Today, this goal is achievable, as both diagnosis and treatment have become simpler and more effective than ever.

The initiative is distinguished by its innovative and socially targeted character, as it integrates prevention and early diagnosis of hepatitis C within a highly vulnerable population, namely within the correctional system. A key feature of the programme is the implementation of organised large-scale screening initiatives among inmates, with high participation rates and repeatability, enabling a systematic public health approach to hard-to-reach populations.

The initiative also stands out for its scientific documentation and international recognition, through presentations at national and international scientific conferences, highlighting it as a best practice in public health and infectious diseases. Furthermore, the integration of clinical practice, corporate social responsibility, and public health, along with the active involvement of specialised medical and nursing staff, makes the initiative a comprehensive intervention model with significant social and scientific impact.

Association for the Promotion and Protection of Public Health “PROMETHEUS”

Korydallos Correctional Facility.

The initiative offering free preventive diagnostic screening for Hepatitis C among inmates at the Korydallos Prison aimed primarily to promote early diagnosis and strengthen equitable access to healthcare services for a highly vulnerable population.

Within the framework of the implemented interventions, a total of 780 inmates were screened during the period March–July 2024, as well as 312 inmates during December 2025–January 2026, significantly expanding preventive screening coverage within the correctional setting.

The initiative contributed to raising awareness of the importance of prevention for the “silent” disease of Hepatitis C and highlighted the need for systematic screening of vulnerable population groups, where access to healthcare services is often limited.

In addition, the intervention strengthened trust in preventive healthcare services and supported timely referral for further medical evaluation, contributing to the improvement of public health within the prison environment.

At the level of corporate identity, the implementation of a targeted intervention within a vulnerable population clearly demonstrated Affidea’s commitment to equitable access to healthcare and social responsibility, strengthening its reputation as an organisation with a strong societal impact.

At the same time, the scientific documentation of the initiative, through its presentation at the 12th Panhellenic Meeting “AIDS, Hepatitis, Emerging Diseases & Addictions”, as well as its international recognition with selection for an oral presentation at the 13th International Conference on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) in Cape Town, highlight its significance as a best practice in public health with international reach. It also reinforces Affidea’s position as an active contributor to the generation and dissemination of medical knowledge in the field of hepatology.

Furthermore, the initiative strengthened collaboration with scientific and institutional stakeholders, building bridges of trust and enhancing Affidea’s network of partnerships within the public health sector.

Finally, the active involvement of employees in high-impact social interventions reinforced an internal culture of commitment and accountability, contributing to the overall strengthening of the Group’s corporate identity and sustainability strategy.