Drug use in the United Kingdom is among the highest reported in Western Europe and people who inject drugs (PWID) experience stark health inequalities, with increased morbidity and early mortality. This report explores infections, as well as associated risks and behaviours, among people who inject drugs in the UK to the end of 2019. It also presents preliminary data on the impact of COVID-19 on PWID and services in 2020.
Evaluation of hepatitis C test and treat interventions targeted at homeless populations (outside London) in England during the COVID-19 pandemic
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This evaluation draws from: a survey of The Hepatitis C Trust peers, data collected by providers in 7 areas and structured interviews with providers from 11 areas, in order to assess initiatives to test and treat homeless people for HCV during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The evaluation aims to share learning and inform future initiatives. Across the 7 areas from which data was collected, 1263 people were tested, of whom 133 were HCV RNA positive. 83 of these, or 90.2% started treatment.
Recommendations from this evaluation include, building strong partnerships; use incentives, but monitor their effectiveness; Find ways to initiate treatment outside of a clinical setting; Use innovative ways to keep in contact with, and follow-up, homeless
clients; and adopt a flexible approach to the practical arrangements for testing and
ideally use oral swabs, DBS or rapid point of care testing.
