Securing wider EU commitment to the elimination of hepatitis C virus

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Public Health
• Infectious Disease Elimination Strategies

Background:

• The Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association launched the HCV Elimination Manifesto in 2016, targeting EU-wide HCV elimination by 2030.
• Despite initial progress in reducing viremic infections and mortality, most European countries are not on track to meet 2030 WHO targets.
• The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted HCV diagnoses and treatment initiations in 2020.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review progress and challenges in achieving HCV elimination in the EU.
• To emphasize the need for reinforced policy action and commitment from decision-makers.
• To summarize key action points and a call-to-action from the third EU Policy Summit.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of progress towards HCV elimination targets in European countries.
• Review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HCV control programs.
• Consolidation of outcomes and recommendations from the EU Policy Summit.

Main Results:

• HCV elimination efforts have shown a decrease in infections and mortality but are currently off-track for 2030 targets.
• Diagnostic and treatment tools for chronic HCV are readily available and cost-effective.
• Policy-level commitment is identified as a critical factor for accelerating elimination.

Conclusions:

• Urgent reinforcement and scaling-up of actions are necessary to achieve HCV elimination by 2030.
• Dedicated commitment from policymakers across all governmental levels is essential.
• The 'Call-to-Action' statement from the EU Policy Summit provides a roadmap for advancing HCV elimination.