Hepatitis C among people who use drugs: Key messages from practitioners

The increasing burden of hepatitis C, particularly among people who inject drugs, requires comprehensive, well balanced and targeted policy and practice. The burden of hepatitis C remains underestimated by many policy makers, professionals and the public. There is, however, considerable evidence and expertise upon which guidance for effectively tackling hepatitis C in Europe can draw.

The key messages included in this report from the Correlation Network represent the most important aspects of interventions targeting injecting drug users. These have been identified through field work, the day to day experience of practitioners and a literature review. Starting with approaches to prevention, such as awareness and training, the messages go on to describe the most important elements of service delivery including monitoring, testing and improving access, all with an essential focus on the involvement of patients and service users. As all interventions work best embedded in a national action plan or strategy, this report closes with a brief examination of what makes these most effective.

Please click here to read the messages.

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