Decentralized Hepatitis C Testing and Treatment in Rural Cambodia

Direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) has provided the opportunity for simplified models of care delivered in decentralized settings by non-specialist clinical personnel. However, in low-income and middle-income countries, increasing overall access to HCV care remains an ongoing issue, particularly for populations outside of urban centres.

A study, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, evaluated the implementation of a simplified model of HCV care via decentralized health services within a rural health operational district in Battambang province, Cambodia.

This pilot project showed that a highly simplified, decentralized model of HCV care can be integrated within a rural public health system in a low-income or middle-income country, while maintaining high patient retention, treatment efficacy, and safety. The project delivered care via accessible, decentralized primary health centres, using non-specialist clinical staff, thereby enhancing the efficient use of limited resources and maximising the potential to test and treat individuals living with HCV infection.

The study summary can be accessed here.