Understanding Barriers to Hepatitis C Antiviral Treatment in Low-Middle-Income Countries

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have revolutionized Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatment since 2011.
• Despite DAA advancements, over 70 million individuals globally remain untreated, with a significant burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze key barriers to HCV treatment in LMICs.
• To propose actionable recommendations for improving HCV treatment access in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• A structured search of open-access informational sources was conducted.
• An informal peer-reviewed literature review was performed to identify HCV treatment challenges.
• Identified barriers were compiled, analyzed, and themed for LMICs.

Main Results:

• Key obstacles include underdiagnosis and undertreatment, linked to inadequate funding and healthcare infrastructure for screening and testing.
• Poor healthcare provider awareness and disease-related misinformation and stigmatization further impede treatment access.
• Lack of access to essential diagnostics and treatments remains a critical issue in LMICs.

Conclusions:

• LMICs must implement strategies such as educational media distribution, mobile clinics, and international partnerships to overcome HCV treatment barriers.
• Achieving the World Health Organization's 2030 HCV elimination goal requires concerted efforts to reduce care gaps and ensure universal access to testing and treatment.
• Successful interventions demonstrated in developed countries offer a roadmap for LMICs to improve HCV outcomes.