Hepatitis C testing and treatment in marginalised populations

What is it about?

ARC Hounslow achieved micro-elimination of the hepatitis C virus from its patient population by improving access to hepatitis C testing and treatment in people affected by drugs and alcohol. People who use drugs and alcohol often experience stigma, are marginalised, and from underserved communities, improving access to ground-breaking hepatitis C treatments was key in enabling patients to be cured of hepatitis C, significantly reducing health inequalities. Teamwork, partnership, and collaborative working with invested stakeholders were key to ensuring an enriched patient experience.

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Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash

Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that affects the liver, left untreated can cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and mortality. Access to testing ensures monitoring of new infections and re-infection of the virus. Access to direct-acting antiviral treatments effective in providing a cure for hepatitis C virus greatly improves quality of life, reduces morbidity, and improves life expectancy.

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