Despite the availability of effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a global health threat, with high-income countries falling short of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 goals to reduce new chronic hepatitis C infections by 80% and related deaths by 65%. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted screening and treatment efforts. Using Ontario, Canada, as a model, researchers simulated various intervention strategies—aggressive treatment, expanded screening, and enhanced harm reduction—to evaluate their impact on HCV incidence, prevalence, and liver-related outcomes through 2030. The model accounted for key factors often overlooked in past studies, including immigration, transmission networks, and pandemic-related healthcare disruptions.

Findings showed that while aggressive screening and treatment strategies significantly reduce CHC prevalence and liver-related complications, they fall short of achieving the WHO’s target for incidence reduction. Only the enhanced harm-reduction strategy—aimed at curbing transmission among people who inject drugs—reduced acute HCV incidence by over 80%. All strategies improved liver-related outcomes, with aggressive screening and treatment reducing liver-related deaths by nearly 73%. Sensitivity analyses highlighted the importance of targeting transmission dynamics and high-risk populations. The results suggest that comprehensive strategies, including robust prevention efforts, are essential to meet global HCV elimination goals.

Reference: Tian F, Forouzannia F, Feng Z, et al. Feasibility of hepatitis C elimination by screening and treatment alone in high-income countries. Hepatology. 2024;80(2):440-450. doi: 10.1097/HEP.0000000000000779.