Impact of COVID-19 on global HCV elimination efforts

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.042
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07T06:49:35Z
• Authors: Sarah Blach; Loreta A. Kondili; Alessio Aghemo; Zongzhen Cai; Ellen Dugan; Chris Estes; Ivane Gamkrelidze; Siya Ma; Jean-Michel Pawlo...; Devin Razavi-Shearer; Homie Razavi; Imam Waked; Stefan Zeuzem; Antonio Craxi
• Keywords: Hepatitis C; Liver disease; Global Health

•With only 10 years left to meet the WHO's hepatitis elimination targets, COVID-19 is impacting progress.•A 1-year delay in HCV programs could cause excess morbidity and mortality.•A 72,000 deaths from HCV.•Most would be lower middle income high-income groups. Background & AimsCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed a significant strain on national healthcare systems at critical moment context of elimination. Mathematical models can used evaluate possible impact programmatic delays burden. The objective this analysis was incremental change liver-related liver cancer, following 3-month, 6-month, or hiatus programs.MethodsPreviously developed were adapted for 110 countries include status quo 'no delay' scenario '1-year assuming disruption interventions (screening, diagnosis, treatment) year 2020. Annual country-level model outcomes extracted, weighted averages calculate regional (WHO World Bank Income Group) global estimates 2020 2030. annual calculated by subtracting 'no-delay' estimates.ResultsThe resulted 44,800 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 43,800–49,300) hepatocellular carcinoma cases 72,300 UI: 70,600–79,400) deaths, relative globally, Most missed treatments lower-middle countries, whereas most among countries.ConclusionsThe extends beyond direct mortality associated with exposure infection. To mitigate viral programming reduce delayed treatment, policy makers should prioritize as soon it becomes safe do so.Lay SummaryCOVID-19 many slowing stopping altogether. A diagnosis treatment result an additional cancers globally Countries have committed 2030, so attention shift back appropriate so. Coronavirus programs. Previously estimates. countries.