Assessing the burden and characterising blood-borne viruses (BBV) among underserved populations: Exploring methods to identify and characterise underserved populations

The burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the UK is primarily among underserved populations, including people who inject drugs (PWID), people born outside the UK, people experiencing homelessness, and people in contact with the criminal justice system. We explored methods to map and characterise these populations, using data linkage to enhance surveillance data, allowing effective monitoring towards the WHO’s elimination targets for HBV/HCV, and facilitating test-and-treat strategies.

Findings will contribute to DHSC PHOF targets and indicators, and will inform NHSE’s HCV programme to eliminate HCV through treatment before 2030. Outputs will contribute to modelled prevalence estimates, and provide evidence for resource planning, local/national policymakers, commissioners and service providers.