State-of-the-Art Review: Hepatitis C.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major cause of chronic liver disease and premature mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization and US Department of Health and Human Services have committed to eliminating HCV infection as a major public health threat by 2030, as defined by a 90% reduction in incidence of new HCV infections and 65% reduction in mortality from a 2015 baseline. To help to achieve HCV elimination, it will be necessary to increase HCV screening and increase uptake of HCV treatment, particularly within primary care, correctional, and substance use treatment settings. In this review, we provide strategies for healthcare providers to implement in their practice to enhance patients' completion of the steps of the HCV care cascade. Improving successful completion of each step of the cascade will help alleviate the burden of HCV infection and make the 2030 HCV elimination goals a reality.