Controversies in and challenges to our understanding of hepatitis C

Table 2 Reducing the number of new HCV infections

Actions that are required to achieve a reduction in new infections:
Acknowledging the existence of the epidemic
Overcoming denial of the pathogenicity of the HCV
Accepting that this disease is more prevalent than HIV
Defining the natural history more accurately
Increasing understanding of the biology of the HCV
Requires a greater funding base for research
Greater collaborative effort between clinical and research centres
Defining transmission risks accurately
Working with injecting user groups an essential requirement
Studies with the virus will allow a great expansion of knowledge
Responding to these risks adequately
Governments must commit to addressing the epidemic
Increasing access to treatment
Define clinical pathways
Optimise access to treatment for those with more severe disease
Advertise treatment efficacy more clearly
Improving treatment efficacy