Title:
Can people who inject drugs in Nepal achieve the universal access to the harm reduction program and hepatitis C treatment?
Authors:
Bogati, Hemant
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2017
PAGE:
xi, 42
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), People who Inject Drugs (PWID), Policy, Harm Reduction (OST & NSEP), Nepal
Abstract:
Background: Nepal is experiencing challenges with increasing number of hard drug users. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) prevalence are evolving amongst People Who Inject Drugs (PWID). Harm reduction program coverage for PWID appears low. There was no HCV treatment available for HCV mono infected PWID from the government. The aim of the review was to investigate the need for a more central and comprehensive policy, and improved programme on prevention and treatment of HCV amongst PWID. Methods: A comprehensive search was undertaken of Nepalese policy documents. PubMed, VU e-Library, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Scopus was used to find the primary articles/reports abstracts examining harm reduction program and HCV treatment outcomes in PWID from 1990 to 2017. Results: Four peer reviewed articles for Nepal, 20 peer reviewed articles from other countries, and 55 additional reports met the inclusion criteria. There is currently no HCV policy in Nepal. The prevalence rate of HCV in PWID was found to be 41.9% (95% CI: 37–47%). OST (Opioid Substitution Therapy) coverage was documented between 5-40% for the PWID. The needle and syringe exchange program coverage range from 0.6% for FWID (Female Who Inject Drugs) up to 53% in PWID. The number of needles/syringes distributed per PWID in 2016 was estimated to be 29 (substantially lower than the recommended 200+). HCV+ treatment coverage was below 5%. Conclusion: Without a comprehensive policy for HCV, Nepal is unlikely to achieve the WHO/UNODC/UNAIDS target for universal access to HCV prevention, treatment and care for PWID. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of harm reduction and HCV treatment in PWID.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Nepal
Region:
South Asia
Training:
Master of Public Health
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2017 Bogati
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
5Mzn6eg26O_20180404153346689.pdf