Micro-elimination of hepatitis C virus

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) impacts 71 million globally, causing significant morbidity and mortality.
• Transmission routes include healthcare, unscreened blood transfusions, and drug use.
• HCV is a systemic disease with both hepatic and extrahepatic complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline strategies for global Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination by 2030.
• To identify challenges in micro-elimination within high-risk populations.
• To propose necessary advancements for achieving HCV eradication.

Main Methods:

• The study reviews existing HCV elimination goals and strategies.
• It highlights the need for enhanced screening, treatment access, and prevention methods.
• It emphasizes the development of new tools for micro-elimination in specific demographics.

Main Results:

• HCV elimination by 2030 hinges on improved outreach screening, treatment accessibility, and prevention.
• Micro-elimination in high-risk groups (migrants, prisoners, drug users, etc.) remains unachieved.
• Novel approaches like rapid diagnostics and decentralized care are essential for progress.

Conclusions:

• Achieving global HCV elimination is feasible but challenging in high-prevalence regions.
• Urgent needs include improved detection via rapid tests, decentralized care, and oral antiviral access.
• These advancements are critical for curing chronic infections and reversing HCV-related manifestations.