In various areas of Southern Europe, liver failure is now the leading cause of death among HIV-positive people. Several factors contribute to the situation:
Hepatitis C is prevalent among people living with HIV; 30 to 70% are co-infected, depending on the geographical area
HIV accelerates hepatitis C disease progression
Current HCV treatment is less likely to eradicate hepatitis C virus in HIV-positive people, vs. those with HCV alone, particularly in genotype 1 (14-29%)
In co-infected people, HCV therapy is associated with significant side effects and poor tolerability
Co-infection with HCV/HIV often involves increased social and psychological needs, yet very few community or public programs target specifically the co-infected population
Success on HIV/HCV awareness and activism varies from country to country, and within countries, from region to region. Some countries have been very successful in mobilising communities in terms of access to setting the research agenda and innovative clinical trials, HCV treatment accessibility, side-effects management, or liver transplantation programs.
In order to improve the efficiency of the various initiatives that existed within the Southern States, EATG organized together with local Spanish CAB FEAT and Bilbao-based three main HIV NGO’s a seminar in Bilbao [1] where HIV/HCV co-infected people met with health care providers, social workers and civil servants from the Southern Region. SENCA was one of the major outcomes of the seminar held last October 2007.
Since then, the network has been actively involved in setting research agendas, as well as increasing access to both HCV treatment and liver transplantation programs for HIV/HCV co-infected people.
SENCA has set itself four ambitious priorities for actions in 2008:
First, it will develop the advocacy and expand the network on HIV/HCV co-infection issues in Southern Europe.
Second, it aims at carrying out a study on the reasons why co-infected people in need of transplant are not referred to the appropriate units or are not referred in due time. The study will track geographic gaps in order to learn where the obstacles are and make significant changes.
Third, it will also promote the improvement and harmonisation of the Guidelines of HCV Treatment and those of Liver Transplant both in Co-infected people.
Last but not least, it will try to effectively obtain more information on the European Register of Liver Transplant in Co-infected People, hoping to implement a constructive dialogue.
For further information on SENCA, please contact Joan Tallada
For further information
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