Micro-elimination of hepatitis C virus among men who have sex with men: Innovative testing and prevention strategies in the Netherlands
This thesis focusses on the micro-elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among men who have sex with men (MSM). The overall aim was to describe and evaluate innovative approaches to testing and prevention of HCV among MSM in Amsterdam, which may contribute to HCV micro-elimination in this population. Two HCV testing innovations were studied: anonymous self-sampling of dried blood spots (DBS) at home for the detection of HCV RNA, and the application of HCV core antigen testing to diagnose recently acquired HCV. Subsequently, a co-creational approach for the development and implementation of a multilevel intervention to reduce HCV transmission among MSM in Amsterdam is described. The various components to inform and have an impact on the at risk individual, the community, healthcare professionals, the context where high-risk behavior takes place, the individual diagnosed with HCV and sexual networks, are illustrated. In the last chapters the intervention components are evaluated and their uptake, acceptability, usability and the potential impact on the HCV epidemic are discussed.