The conference emphasizes that hepatitis C elimination is impossible without prioritizing people who use drugs, as they account for 8% of those living with chronic hepatitis C. New treatments have sparked hope for a world free of the disease, but testing and treatment remain low in many countries.
A new study found that prisons can drive down hepatitis C prevalence and help reach global WHO elimination goals by providing a unique environment for treatment and addressing risk behaviors. Introducing prevention programs in prisons and amongst individuals transitioning back to the community could significantly reduce infections.
The new study debunks myths about treatment efficacy and adherence in people who use drugs, highlighting its benefits in disease elimination. Treatment uptake among people who inject drugs could halve hepatitis C prevalence in 15 years.