A Systematic Analysis of Novel Public Health Policies to Combat Hepatitis C Virus in the United States: Implications for China

Background: Globally, nearly 185 million are living with hepatitis C (virus) infection. China alone has more HCV-infected persons (25 million) than Europe, and North and South America combined. Although the number of HCV cases in China is six-fold higher than the United States, the epidemiology of HCV is quite similar in both countries. The objectives of this study are to identify and analyze newly implemented public health policies in the United States designed to combat HCV, and to describe the potential benefit of similar policy adaptions by public health policymakers in China.

Methods: Newly implemented HCV policy recommendations from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the US Preventive Services Task Force were systematically identified and reviewed for analysis.

Results: Novel HCV policies included 1) expansion of HCV testing recommendations to identify undiagnosed cases of HCV among high prevalent populations (i.e. persons born between 1945-1965, HIV-infected persons, and persons with injection drug use histories), 2) augmentation of medical coverage for HCV testing (i.e. upgrading HCV testing from grade C to grade B), and 3) community level, federally-funded campaigns to increase HCV awareness in the general population, among medical providers, and healthcare systems.   

Discussion: It is plausible implementation of similar public health policies in China would enhance HCV awareness, access to care, and linkage to care and treatment. Global reductions in HCV morbidity and mortality cannot be realized without the advent of novel public health policies in China.