Elimination of hepatitis C through rapid testing and treatment

Hepatitis C affects over 230,000 people in Australia. Currently only 1 to 2 per cent of people with chronic HCV are treated annually. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set targets to reduce new HCV infections by 80 per cent, reduce deaths due to HCV by 65 per cent and eliminate HCV as a public health problem by 2030. With new, effective non-interferon-based treatments it should be possible for Australia to achieve these elimination targets.

Key to our success in reducing HCV-related deaths and new infections in Australia will be the upscaling of treatment for all people with chronic HCV infection, including those currently transmitting HCV who are chiefly people who inject drugs. Rapid testing for HCV offers the potential to reduce the time from diagnosis to treatment. New community-based treatment programs in primary care, drug and alcohol services and community organisations are being rolled out locally.

The project will aim to explore the role of rapid testing in improving the hepatitis care cascade from infection and diagnosis to treatment and cure. The student will be involved in implementation trials and evaluation of the effectiveness and acceptability of new rapid HCV diagnosis pathways. The outcomes will help facilitate treatment uptake and improve the quality of care.