HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) Management among Key Populations in India

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E. R. Babu1 and A. William Thomas2 (Madurai Kamarah University, Madurai, S. India & Director, FIND (An International NGO), New Delhi1 and Arul Anandar College Autonomous, Karumathur, Madurai, S. India2)

Key population experience multiple challenges in terms of health care with one or more infections/diseases with limited access to care. Stigma, discrimination, harassment, criminalization of behaviour, laws and policies adds further challenges to key population in access to healthcare in public health care settings. HCV infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Various studies have reported that HCV prevalence was higher among key population especially people living with HIV, those with sexually transmitted diseases, high-risk sex behaviour or injection drug use, and those receiving haemodialysis or frequent transfusions. HCV infection can now be cured in almost all patients with these effective, safe and tolerable combinations of oral DAAs. Key populations need of continuum of care including prevention, testing and treatment.