Lessons Learned From Global Hepatitis C Elimination Programs

Abstract

In 2016, the World Health Organization introduced global targets for the care and management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. Despite significant improvements in testing and treatment, in 2020 only 23% of all persons infected with HCV globally were diagnosed. We explore examples from global hepatitis C programs in Georgia, Rwanda, and Nigeria that have used decentralized and integrated models to increase access to HCV testing. Georgia established the world's first national hepatitis C elimination program in 2015. In 2022, 2.6 million people (80% of the adults) have been screened for antibodies for HCV infection, and 80 000 persons with HCV RNA detected were treated. To achieve these results, Georgia implemented HCV core antigen testing, utilization of point-of-care (POC) HCV RNA testing, and simplification of HCV viremia detection by qualitative HCV RNA testing. Rwanda was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to commit to HCV elimination in 2018, and as of 2022 it has achieved its screening target of 7 million people and initiated approximately 60 000 patients on hepatitis C treatment by rapid decentralization and integration of HCV services. In Nigeria, the integrated near-POC testing approach in Nasarawa State has been effective in expanding access to HCV viremia testing and enabling the possibility of same-day testing and treatment initiation. Examples of decentralization and integration of HCV testing and linkage to care in Georgia, Rwanda, and Nigeria could help inform effective strategies to reach 2030 hepatitis C elimination goals in other countries.

Keywords: Georgia; Nigeria; Rwanda; hepatitis C; viral hepatitis elimination.