Overview
Identify 300 PWUD with chronic, viremic HCV infection and engage them in a multidisciplinary, generalizable model of care and initiate HCV treatment
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ability to review, sign and date the IRB/IEC approved informed consent form
- Age ≥19 years
- Documented HCV RNA positive for 6 months or more, with any HCV genotype
- Active PWUD (ongoing drug use or documented use within the previous 6 months) OR active enrolment in an opiate substitution program
Exclusion Criteria:
- Previous DAA-based HCV treatment
- Pregnant or breast-feeding
- Indications of decompensated liver disease
- Diagnosis of active hepatocellular carcinoma
- Positive test at the time of screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Frequent injecting drug use that is judged by the treating physician to compromise subsequent HCV treatment safety
- Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent or to actively engage in care leading to the initiation of HCV treatment