Ca-ssis/iStock/Thinkstock(GENEVA) — More than one million people in low- and middle-income countries worldwide have been treated with a relatively new cure for hepatitis C in the two years since the treatment’s introduction.

According to the World Health Organization, Direct Acting Antivirals were first approved in 2013, and despite fears that a high cost would put them out of reach for many of the 80 million who suffer from the disease worldwide, more than one million have already gained access to the treatment. The WHO says the new medicines have a cure rate of over 95 percent and fewer side effects than previously available treatments.

Still, DAAs cost an estimated $85,000, making them unaffordable even in some high-income countries.

The WHO and other partners have worked to make the treatment available in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan and others. Dr. Gottfried Hirnschall, Director of WHO’s Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme said that “maximizing access to lifesaving hepatitis C treatment is a priority” for the organization.

Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.