National campaign against hepatitis C in France (1999-2002)

Since 1988, several measures have been applied in France to control HCV infection. HCV seroprevalence in the adult population is estimated at 1.1% (500,000 to 650,000 persons) and the number of chronically infected at 400,000 to 500,000 persons. In 1994, most of them might not be aware of their infection. Blood products administration and injecting-drug use are identified as the main transmission routes. The national hepatitis C plan (1999-2002) was based on scientific data and developed after a consensus conference and several expert consultations. It involves six programs and quantified objectives: prevention of new infections, enforcement of screening access; improvement of care management; implementation of a surveillance system, clinical research and evaluation. Specific financial supports were attributed for the implementation of the plan. The 2001 progress report confirmed a major increase in national and regional actions. In 2000, considering the high proportion of persons still unaware of their infection (at least one third) and the increase of treatment efficacy, the target population of the screening strategy was considerably extended after scientific analysis. A national consciousness-raising campaign directed at general practitioners was launched in June 2000. In 2001, a media campaign directed to the general population was developed, in newspapers and on radio stations. Since the end of 1999, a national toll free phone number provides information to the public. In order to improve access to screening, a new regulation added HCV testing to the missions of anonymous and free HIV testing centres, as well as of family planning centres. The hepatitis C prevention strategy is still included in a national public health program and improved in view of its renewal.