Hepatitis C Virus Elimination in the United States: Challenges, Progress, and Future Steps

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Viral Diseases
• Public Health and Epidemiology
• Health Policy and Economics

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents a significant global health challenge.
• Direct-acting antivirals offer a cure, prompting the World Health Organization's 2030 elimination goal.
• Progress towards HCV elimination is hindered by systemic, provider, and patient-level barriers, particularly linkage to care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address persistent barriers to Hepatitis C virus care in diverse priority populations.
• To discuss innovative care models implemented in the United States to facilitate HCV elimination.
• To highlight the economic impact and potential cost savings of a national HCV elimination program.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on HCV care barriers and elimination strategies.
• Analysis of national initiatives and policy changes aimed at HCV eradication.
• Examination of innovative HCV care delivery models in the United States.

Main Results:

• Significant disparities in HCV care access persist across priority populations.
• Innovative models are emerging to improve linkage to care and treatment access.
• The national HCV elimination program is projected to result in substantial cost savings of $18.1 billion over 10 years.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming barriers to care, especially linkage, is crucial for achieving HCV elimination goals.
• Innovative care models and national initiatives are essential for addressing disparities and accelerating progress.
• The economic benefits of HCV elimination underscore the importance of continued investment in eradication efforts.