14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. WeOrF1288)

Schowalter L
NASTAD, Washington, DC, United States

ISSUE: HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) overlap greatly in their modes of transmission and populations at greatest risk of infection. In the United States, 30-40% of people infected with HIV are infected with HCV. The rate of co-infection among injection drug users (IDUs) is estimated to be between 50%-90%. Due to lack of adequate funding for stand-alone HCV programs, state HIV/AIDS programs are increasingly challenged with how to best serve clients who are either co-infected with HIV and HCV, or infected with HCV and at risk for HIV.

DESCRIPTION: In the United States, state health departments are integrating HCV programs into existing HIV/AIDS programs, due to similarities between populations affected and lack of adequate funding for HCV programs. Despite many similarities between HIV and HCV, HIV/AIDS programs face considerable challenges in integrating HCV services with limited resources. This presentation will address the issues that HIV/AIDS programs face in integration, and describe how HIV/AIDS programs across the United States have successfully integrated HCV into their existing programs.

ISSUES: This presentation will address the lessons state HIV/AIDS programs have learned in integrating viral hepatitis into their existing programs and infrastructures, including, involvement of key stakeholders across HIV, viral hepatitis, substance abuse and corrections; development of surveillance infrastructure and staff; provider training, education and awareness needs; and introduction and inclusion of vaccine education, training and strategies.

RECOMMENDATIONS: This presentation will discuss model programs and best practices of HCV integration, including, involvement of diverse representatives of the HCV-affected population; demonstration of cost-effectiveness of utilizing existing infrastructure; importance of provider and staff support; and efficacy in reaching populations at greatest risk.

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WeOrF1288

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