Challenges and best practices for hepatitis C care among people who inject drugs in resource limited settings: focus group discussions with healthcare providers in Kenya

Advancing Hepatitis C Elimination in Africa: Insights from Egypt

“…2 accounting for 26% of the global burden of these infections, resulting in Approximately 125, 0000 deaths annually, however several challenges hinder the effective management by which over 70% global hepatitis B cases occur in Africa necessitating robust prevention and treatment efforts [1,4,9,10]. Various risk factors for HCV infection in Africa include Traditional practices (such as Scarification), family history of viral hepatitis, geographical location, unsafe transfusion practices, unsafe injection drug use, and risky sexual behaviors leading to blood exposure [11][12][13]. While there have been significant advances in the treatment of hepatitis C, many people still do not have access to treatment.…”

“…While there have been significant advances in the treatment of hepatitis C, many people still do not have access to treatment. Lack of access is due to various barriers, such as high costs, limited healthcare resources, and lack of awareness Despite the existence of effective and cost-efficient Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAAs) medications capable of curing HCV in the majority of cases with minimal adverse effects [3,10,11]. Many countries adopted this goal of 90% reduction in chronic HCV incidence and a 65% reduction in HCV mortality by 2030, and established HCV elimination programs.…”

Advancing Hepatitis C Elimination in Africa: Insights from Egypt

“…1,4,9,10 Traditional practices (including scarification), a family history of viral hepatitis, geographic location, unsafe transfusion practices, unsafe injection drug use, and risky sexual activities involving blood exposure are some of the risk factors for HCV infection in Africa. [11][12][13] Despite the availability of affordable, efficient Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) drugs that can cure HCV in most cases with little side effects, 2,10,11 many obstacles prevent people from accessing healthcare, including exorbitant expenses, scarcity of resources, and low awareness. Numerous nations implemented HCV elimination initiatives and set a 2030 target of 90% lower chronic HCV incidence and 65% lower HCV mortality.…”

“…18,29,38,41 o Launch phased and prioritized hepatitis C elimination programs, focusing first on the most vulnerable and impacted populations and regions before progressively and methodically scaling them up. 11,13,42,43 In addition to using a patient-centered and human rights-based approach, the programs should address the following components: screening, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and surveillance. o Boost the capabilities of health systems and the medical staff to provide safe and effective hepatitis C services, as well as to guarantee the accessibility and availability of medications and tests.…”