Challenges and Opportunities for Treating Hepatitis C Amongst People Who Use Drugs: Experience of an Integrated Mobile Clinic in Baltimore City

ABSTRACT

Progress in treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been slow amongst people who use drugs (PWUD). This study describes the HCV treatment cascade amongst people accessing a mobile clinic offering integrated low‐threshold buprenorphine and infectious disease services in Baltimore City. From May 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, 560 people had a rapid HCV antibody test, of whom 201 (36%) had a positive result and amongst those, 117 (58%) had an HCV RNA test performed, 81 (40%) had a documented positive RNA, 45 (22%) were prescribed medication, 42 (21%) started medication, 32 (16%) completed medication, 22 (11%) had blood work to assess for sustained virologic response and 20 (10%) had a documented cure. Challenges including housing instability, insurance barriers and lack of venous access limit progress in this cascade. Providing integrated care models to meet the needs of PWUD in the community is necessary but not sufficient to make progress in improving HCV treatment. Removal of insurance restrictions, availability of point‐of‐care HCV RNA testing, development of rapid HCV treatment guidelines and development of long‐acting injectable HCV treatment are needed to move towards a same‐day, one‐time test and treat model of care.