To assess the impact of the TraP HepC program on HIV/HCV coinfection rates, the cascade of care, and HCV reinfection rates among coinfected individuals in Iceland, highlighting its significance in public health.
Key Findings:
The number of HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals decreased by over 85% from a peak of 41 in 2016 to 6 in 2020, indicating the program's effectiveness.
Cure rates improved significantly from 45% during the interferon era to 88% during the DAA era (P < .001), showcasing the advancements in treatment.
The HCV reinfection rate among coinfected individuals was 9.35 per 100 person-years, primarily linked to injection drug use, underscoring the need for continued prevention efforts.
Interpretation:
The TraP HepC initiative has effectively reduced HIV/HCV coinfection rates in Iceland, demonstrating the success of DAAs in treating HCV and the critical importance of ongoing prevention efforts to maintain these gains.
Limitations:
The study is retrospective and may be subject to biases in data collection, which could affect the reliability of the findings.
The reinfection rates may not fully capture all cases due to potential underreporting, which is a significant concern.
Conclusion:
The TraP HepC program has significantly decreased HIV/HCV coinfection rates in Iceland, but continued efforts in prevention and treatment access are essential to sustain these gains and ensure long-term success.
