A public health approach to Hepatitis C control in Low- and Middle-Income countries
New oral short-duration regimens using direct-acting antiviral medicines have the potential to improve outcomes
Abstract
New oral short-duration regimens using direct-acting antiviral medicines for hepatitis C virus (HCV) have the potential to facilitate treatment and improve outcomes.
Translating scientific advances into reduced disease burden requires well-designed programmes encompassing prevention, screening, treatment, and strategic information.
Engagement from countries, civil society, donors, and policymakers is needed to generate political commitment, mobilise resources, and reduce diagnostic and medicine costs for HCV.
Countries should estimate the resources required to implement planned HCV prevention, screening, and treatment strategies and their expected health, societal, and financial benefits to mobilise domestic and international funding.
Countries could integrate HCV prevention, screening, treatment, and strategic information into HIV/AIDS programmes for financial, infrastructural, and health workforce efficiencies.
This research was supported by the UK Department for International Development’s Operational Research Capacity Building Programme led by the International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union)
Citation
Suthar AB, Harries AD (2015) A Public Health Approach to Hepatitis C Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. PLoS Med 12(3) doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001795
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A public health approach to Hepatitis C control in Low- and Middle-Income countries