Elimination of Hepatitis C Virus in Australia: Laying the Foundation

Abstract

Australia is on-track to achieve World Health Organization hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination targets. An active HCV screening program led to 82% of HCV-infected population being diagnosed. An unrestricted direct-acting antiviral (DAA) program, launched in March 2016 resulted in an estimated 58,500 individuals (26% of total HCV-infected population, including 70% of those with cirrhosis) initiating treatment through 2017. Treatment uptake was high among sub-populations at greater HCV transmission risk with 22% of people injecting drugs and >60% of those with HIV/HCV coinfection initiating DAA treatment in 2016. A monitoring and evaluation program will inform strategies required to achieve HCV elimination targets.

Keywords: Australia; Direct acting antivirals, DAA, public health; Elimination; Hepatitis C, HCV; People who inject drugs.