Health strategy on HCV in The Netherlands

The current basis for the health care policy on hepatitis C in The Netherlands is an advisory report of the national Health Council, published in 1997. The Council confirmed that: Chronic hepatitis C (HC) is to be considered as a serious disease; the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be detected easily and accurately; transmission of HCV occurs mainly via blood; the prevalence of HC is low in The Netherlands and comparable to or somewhat lower than other countries in Northern Europe; treatment is possible and worthwhile; patients have the right to be provided spontaneously with relevant information; the general population lacks adequate knowledge about the essentials of HCV infection, preventing them from taking adequate measures for their own health. The Council recommended that: general tracing and testing of all people who received blood products in the past would be inefficient; hospitals should keep precise records of the origin and use of blood products; as practically all active drug users in The Netherlands are involved in medical care in connection with their addiction, they will be tested for HCV and qualify for treatment of HC; information should be provided to the general population; medical doctors are stimulated to participate in training courses on HC; medical and non-medical professionals involved in increased risk of HCV transmission must be informed on hygiene. Epidemiological research of HCV infection in the various population groups of The Netherlands is stimulated. Currently, an active approach to the health care policy on hepatitis C is supported by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, including awareness programs in risk groups and training courses for professionals. Such programs are typically aiming at supporting and stimulating the own initiatives in the society, based on responsibilities of professional and patient's organisations and individuals at risk. Treatment of HC, given in accordance with the current consensus, including long term combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin, is available and refundable for all Dutch citizens. A special program for HC screening and treatment of drug addicts is being started up, using the special infrastructure for drug user control programs in The Netherlands.