Launches "20/20: A Clear Vision for Increased HCV Testing" Initiative
HealthHCV recognizes Hepatitis Testing Day by launching an initiative encouraging primary care providers and HIV care providers to increaseCDC and USPSTF recommendedhepatitis C (HCV) testing by 20% by 2020. Increasing testing and treatment by 20% or more would reduce HCV-related morbidity and mortality by 50% by 2020.1HealthHCV’s “20/20: A Clear Vision for Increased HCV Testing” Initiative proposes a clear target outcome to increase testing and diagnosis of HCV in settings serving at risk populations. Through this initiative, HealthHCV will be launching an online, self-paced CME module on HCV testing in primary care and HIV care settings, and adding it to their training and certificate programs, as well as developing resources on HCV testing implementation and best practices via the HealthHCV Resource Center.
HCV remains a worldwide epidemic with over 160 million people chronically infected, and 4.7 million infected with HCV in the United States. Baby boomers are five times more likely to have HCV and represent over 75% of those infected. Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 25% of people living with HIV in the U.S. are co-infected with HCV and 80% of people with HIV who inject drugs also have HCV.
“We know that baby boomers most frequently access healthcare in primary care settings, and individuals living with HIV access care in HIV provider settings. Increasing HCV testing and treatment for individuals at risk where they already seek care, is essential to turning the tide on this worsening epidemic. We strongly encourage primary care and HIV care providers to expand HCV testing in order to reduce the estimated 2.4 million individuals who do not know they are infected,” said Marissa Tonelli, Senior Manager of the HealthHCV Initiative.
“As national healthcare costs associated with chronic HCV infection reach $6.5 billion, and are expected to rise, our vision is to expand national efforts in primary care and HIV care settings to increase testing and reach the growing number of individuals being diagnosed with advanced liver disease,” said Dawn Maker, HealthHCV Education and Training Manager.
“The HealthHCV State of HCV CareTM national survey showed that primary care and HIV care providers are critical to driving integration of HCV testing and linkage to care. By increasing HCV diagnosis and treatment access in appropriate settings, we can substantially reduce disease burden and increase access to cure therapy,” said HealthHIV Executive Director Brian Hujdich.
HealthHCV is partnering with several national and international organizations to support viral hepatitis awareness efforts, recognizing the need for many voices to reach communities living with, or at risk for, chronic HCV infection.
About HealthHCV
HealthHCV seeks to advance HCV awareness, advocacy and education across healthcare sectors. HealthHCV’s purpose is to: advocate for the implementation of sound public health policy responsive to the shifting landscape of viral hepatitis; design and implement medical and consumer education and training programs to address the needs of people living with viral hepatitis; and, conduct health services research that identifies trends across viral hepatitis and the broader health care landscape. From health systems to primary care providers, consumers, and other related health agencies, HealthHCV continually strives to impact the HCV epidemic through tailored initiatives and programs with national and local impact. HealthHCV is an initiative of HealthHIV, a national non-profit based in Washington, DC.
For More Information
For more information about HealthHCV’s efforts or to obtain the 2015 State of HCV CareTM national survey report, please contact Marissa Tonelli, Senior Manager of HealthHCV, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 202-507-4726, or visit www.HealthHCV.org.
1Cramp, M. E., Rosenberg, W. M., Ryder, S. D., Blach, S., & Parkes, J. (2014). Modelling the impact of improving screening and treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection on future hepatocellular carcinoma rates and liver-related mortality.BMC Gastroenterology,14, 137.http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-230X-14-137
