Treatment access is only the first step to hepatitis C elimination: experience of universal anti-viral treatment access in Australia

Abstract

Background: Global targets to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) might be met by sustained treatment uptake. Aim: To describe factors facilitating HCV treatment uptake and potential challenges to sustaining treatment levels after universal access to direct-acting anti-virals (DAA) across Australia. Methods: We analysed national Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data to determine the number of DAA prescriptions commenced before and after universal access from March 2016 to June 2017. We inferred facilitators and barriers to treatment uptake, and challenges that will prevent local and global jurisdictions reaching elimination targets. Results: In 2016, 32 877 individuals (14% of people living with HCV i..