New recommendations in the updated WHO guidelines for the screening, care and treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C infection: policy brief
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World Health Organization
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This policy brief summarizes the new recommendations introduced in the updated WHO Guidelines for the screening, care and treatment of persons with chronic hepatitis C infection. It explains the rationale for revising the 2014 guidance in light of advances in direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, highlighting the improved efficacy, shorter treatment duration and better safety profile of these medicines. The publication outlines WHO recommendations favouring DAA-based regimens over interferon-containing therapies, describes preferred and alternative treatment options according to hepatitis C virus genotype and cirrhosis status, and explains the evidence-based process used to develop the recommendations, including systematic reviews, network meta-analyses and the GRADE approach.
Intended for policy-makers, programme managers and health-care providers, the brief discusses practical considerations for implementing the updated recommendations, including simplified service delivery, treatment prioritization and the expanding role of primary care in hepatitis C management. It also addresses factors influencing treatment allocation where resources are limited, including disease severity and the potential to reduce transmission among populations at increased risk. By summarizing the principal changes to the updated guideline, the publication supports countries in strengthening national hepatitis C programmes and expanding equitable access to effective antiviral treatment.