Although hepatitis C (HCV) incidence in BC is declining, morbidity and mortality related to chronic HCV infection are increasing. New, easy to tolerate, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for HCV with cure rates approaching 95% are expected to be game changers for the prevention of progressive liver disease and create more opportunities for primary care based treatment.

Greater involvement of primary care physicians is needed to scale up treatment for those diagnosed, but also to engage those who are unaware of their status into care for screening, testing, and linkage to care.  For more information and HCV practice supports, see: BCCDC for an HCV Testing Guide (listed in the BCCDC CD Manual) developed in response to gaps identified by local family physicians; and Hepatitis Education Canada for clear, accurate and evidence based patient education materials about HCV in a variety of formats and languages.

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