Expanding access to treatment for hepatitis C in resource-limited settings: lessons from HIV/AIDS

Clin Infect Dis. 2012 May;54(10):1465-72. doi: 10.1093/cid/cis227. Epub 2012 Mar 19.

Abstract

The need to improve access to care and treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in resource-limited settings is receiving increasing attention. Key priorities for scaling up HCV treatment and care include reducing the cost of current and future treatment; simplifying the package of care; identifying opportunities to shift specific tasks to nonspecialists to overcome human resource constraints; service integration with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics, prison health services, and needle syringe and oral substitution therapy programs; improving surveillance, monitoring, and research; encouraging patient and community engagement; focusing specifically on the needs of vulnerable groups; and increasing financial and political commitment. Many of these obstacles have been addressed in rolling out treatment for human immunodeficiency virus during the last decade, and a number of lessons can be drawn to help improve access to HCV care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Developing Countries
  • Health Services Accessibility / economics*
  • Health Services Accessibility / organization & administration*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents