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Viral Hepatitis Elimination Challenges in Low- and Middle-Income Countries—Uzbekistan Hepatitis Elimination Program (UHEP)

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Erkin Musabaev, Chris Estes, Shakhlo Sadirova, Shokhista Bakieva, Krestina Brigida, Rick Dunn, Shyamasundaran Kottilil, Poonam Mathur, Ameer Abutaleb, Kathryn Razavi-Shearer, Tim Anstiss, Bakhodir Yusupaliev, Homie Razavi


Summary

Chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV & HCV) is a major contributor to liver disease and liver-related mortality in Uzbekistan. There is a need to demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale simplified testing and treatment to implement a national viral hepatitis elimination program. Thirteen polyclinics were utilized to screen, conduct follow-up biochemical measures and treat chronic HBV and HCV infection in the general adult population. Task shifting and motivational interviewing training allowed nurses to provide rapid screening and general practitioners (GPs) to treat individuals on-site. An electronic medical system tracked individuals through the cascade of care.

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