Hepatitis C in prisons: Treatment and barriers to the elimination goals of the United Nations

Background. Despite general advances in the treatment of people with hepatitis C in Germany, it is unclear to what extent this also applies to specific key populations, such as prisoners.Methods. In a short survey conducted in June 2021, the ministries of justice in the federal states were asked about data collection and diagnostic methods as well as the prevalence of infections caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HCV treatment among prisoners in Germany. In addition, expert interviews were conducted regarding HCV treatment barriers and missed opportunities in prisons.Results. It is evident that there is no complete and comprehensive data collection within the ministries of justice. Prevention measures, such as opiate substitution therapy in prison, are available in all participating federal states. More specific offers and measures (e.g., razor and syringe exchange) are only found in a few cases and are sometimes subject to a charge. Experts point out that although treatment in prison generally complies with the equivalence principle: it is more difficult to reach the target group.Conclusions. Comprehensive education and counselling on HCV treatment, consistent HCV testing and treatment, and preventive measures to avoid (re-)infection are important for successful HCV elimination in prisons.