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Background:
ANSS-Santé PLUS (ANSS) was founded in 1993 to combat HIV/AIDS and its associated stigma. Although overall seroprevalence is low, a 2021 survey revealed that key populations, particularly people who inject drugs (PWID) and people who use drugs (PWUD) are disproportionately affected with 15.3% prevalence. ANSS has focused on comprehensive support and prevention, including HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and more recently hepatitis C (HCV). World Health Organization data (2022) suggests there are 424,996 people living with HCV and yet only 189 started treatment that year.
Description:
Each November, ANSS participates in International Screening Week (ISW) to raise awareness and encourage testing for HIV, TB, STIs, hepatitis B (HBV) and HCV. Partner associations engage key populations through peer educators, prioritizing those at higher risk.
Effectiveness:
During ISW November 18–24th 2024, a total of 1589 individuals were tested on a risk basis. The results were: 32/1112 (2.92%) HCV+; 92/800 (0.12%) HBV+; 32/1112 (2.92%) and 11/888 (1.25%) positive for HIV+
Among PWID, 3/13 (23.08%) HCV+. There were no new HIV or HBV diagnoses and 5 people were started on PrEP.
However, among PWUD there was 1/50 (0.02%) new HCV+ who could not access treatment. 2/37 (0.05%) new HIV diagnoses and 1/50 (0.02%) HBV+. These people had treatment initiated for both HIV and HBV.
Conclusion & Next Steps:
People on PrEP undergo medical assessments including blood test for urea, creatinine, HBV. Follow-ups include repeating these tests and adding HCV after a month, if positive they can be treated. The lack of HCV treatment for HIV-negative drug users highlights a gap—without intervention, transmission continues.
PWID are the highest risk group for onward transmission of BBV’s and urgently need to able to access HCV treatment regardless of their HIV status.
Targeted projects are needed in Burundi to screen and treat HCV among key populations.
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