HEPATITIS C VIRUS SCREENING AND LINKAGE TO CARE IN MENTAL HEALTH UNITS: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR HCV ELIMINATION

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern, affecting an estimated 71 million individuals worldwide.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 1.75 million new HCV diagnoses annually.
• Chronic HCV infection is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver failure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the global impact and health consequences of Hepatitis C Virus infection.
• To highlight the prevalence and mortality associated with HCV.
• To underscore the need for continued research and public health interventions for HCV.

Main Methods:

• Data synthesized from World Health Organization (WHO) estimates on global HCV prevalence and incidence.
• Review of established medical literature on the long-term sequelae of HCV infection.
• Analysis of epidemiological trends in HCV diagnosis and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Global prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus infection stands at approximately 71 million people.
• An estimated 1.75 million new cases of HCV are diagnosed annually.
• HCV infection is a primary driver of liver cirrhosis, HCC, liver failure, and mortality.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis C Virus represents a substantial and ongoing global health burden.
• The long-term consequences of HCV infection necessitate urgent public health strategies and medical attention.
• Effective management and prevention of HCV are critical to reduce liver-related morbidity and mortality.