HIV and HCV Epidemics: Lessons for Lawyers and Policymakers

This article arises from a summary offered by the author to an international conference held at Wilton Park, England, on policy and action necessary to respond effectively to the epidemics caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). The article begins with 10 lessons derived by the author from his involvement with the HIV epidemic since 1989. These lessons compare and contrast the features of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and those of the HCV epidemic. Although there is overlap between the persons exposed to the respective viruses, HCV is different in two important respects. First, unlike HIV, Hepatitis C can be cured with available but usually expensive therapy. No cure or vaccine has yet been developed for HIV. Second, HIV resulted in a major international response stimulated by engagement with people living with that virus. HCV attracts event greater stigma. Because of national and international treaty law and national criminal law, stigma is even greater in the case of HCV. The article identifies 10 lessons to be learned, including the need for reform of national and international drug control law. It concludes with a list of urgent initiatives that are needed globally to combat the growing but treatable HCV epidemic.