Priorities and Barriers in Hepatitis C Elimination in the United States (On Demand)-Priorities and Barriers Hep C Webinar

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar sponsored by the ASLD and Hepatitis C Special Interest Group focused on the current state and activities at the LIBER meeting, prioritizing the elimination of Hepatitis C in the United States. The session highlighted various activities such as meet-the-expert sessions, symposiums, and crucial business meetings where members' input and ideas significantly impact yearly achievements. During the webinar, the moderator, Dr. Harry Torres, along with Dr. Perumal Swami Poni, facilitated discussions on Hepatitis C elimination challenges and new diagnostic approaches with keynote speakers Dr. Nathan Furukawa and Dr. Jennifer Price.<br /><br />Dr. Furukawa presented an overview of national progress toward Hepatitis C elimination, problem areas, and strategic improvements needed to reach 2030 benchmarks. He emphasized the significance of high-impact settings like correctional facilities and opioid treatment programs for increasing Hepatitis C testing and treatment. The introduction of the new point-of-care HCV RNA test by Cepheid represents a significant advancement, simplifying the diagnostic process by supporting a same-day test and treatment model.<br /><br />Dr. Price discussed the simplification of Hepatitis C treatments over recent years, aiming for easier physician use and greater treatment accessibility. She explained the simplified treatment algorithms and explored a potential framework for a test-and-treat approach, noting obstacles like the need for venipuncture and the potential for Hepatitis B reactivation, which necessitates surface antigen testing. <br /><br />The session reiterated the need for additional resources for implementation, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive testing, flexible treatment strategies, and addressing healthcare access barriers. It concluded with a Q&A portion, providing further insights into treatment considerations and final logistics.

Keywords

Hepatitis C

elimination

ASLD

LIBER meeting

diagnostic approaches

point-of-care test

treatment accessibility

healthcare barriers

HCV RNA test

test-and-treat