Alliance expands access to hepatitis C treatment for vulnerable populations in Ukraine

Starting from January 2016, Alliance for Public Health launched the second phase of program for vulnerable populations, which stipulates treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with innovative direct-acting antiviral agent, Sofosbuvir.

Thanks to the National Campaign “Demand Treatment!” initiated by Alliance and persistent advocacy activities in cooperation with partners from all regions of Ukraine, in October 2013, for the first time in Ukraine, Peginterferon and Ribavirin-based HCV treatment program was launched, and since2015, also for the first time in the country, Alliance initiated treatment with Sofosbuvir. As of 1 January 2016, there were 320 patients involved into the program, with 161 of them having already completed their treatment courses (mostly all of them demonstrated undetectable HCV at their final tests). Before the end of the year, at least 1,500 patients will have access to such treatment. Advocacy efforts of Alliance as well as confirmed treatment success of Sofosbuvir allowed including it to the State Register of Medicines and the Unified HCV Treatment Guidelines, opening the way for government procurement and inclusion of the drug into the state-funded treatment programs.

This year, HCV treatment will become available in five more regions of Ukraine (the total of 14 oblasts will be reached), with planned coverage of at least 500 patients. The list of healthcare facilities which offer treatment and NGOs providing support to patients is available here.

According to the updated criteria of patient selection, the treatment will be accessible not only to people with HIV/HCV co-infection, but also to members of other vulnerable populations, in particular opioid substitution treatment patients, people who inject drugs, commercial sex workers, etc. with no HIV.

Important notices for the patients who comply with selection criteria:

• In oblasts, which offer treatment only in AIDS centers, such treatment will be accessible only to people with HIV.

• Alliance, supporting I Speak Out Now! anti-corruption campaign of the Global Fund (http://www.ispeakoutnow.org/home-page-ru/), draws attention to the fact that one of the priorities of HCV treatment program is protection of the rights of patients from among vulnerable populations, in particular their right to free treatment. If any corruption situations occur when enrolling patients into the program or if there are any unreasonable proposals from the project staff to receive illegal rewards from patients, please write the details of such situations to Alliance e-mail porada@aph.org.ua.

Alliance does not rest on its oars, but continues its advocacy and treatment efforts to make an impact in response to the HCV epidemic in Ukraine.