Strategies for Removal of Barriers to Hepatitis C Elimination in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The article focuses on the challenges and strategies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the significant public health threat posed by HCV and the efforts of countries like Rwanda to scale up testing and treatment. Despite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) advocacy and some national strategic plans, many African countries face barriers including high costs of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), limited laboratory capacity, and insufficient funding. Rwanda’s experience demonstrates successful decentralization of services, task shifting to nurses and general practitioners, and negotiated drug pricing that have increased access to care. The article emphasizes the need for affordable diagnostics, integration with existing health systems, donor support, and innovative service delivery models to achieve WHO elimination targets by 2030.