Theme: Epidemiology & Public Health Research Year: 2019
Background: Even though, Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a critical health issue and concern among people
who inject drugs (PWIDs) in the state of Manipur, the true extent of the epidemic is difficult to gauge
because surveillance systems for hepatitis C are not in place which makes difficult to estimate the no
of HCV infection among different populations. With an aim to produce a state authenticated HCV
prevalence data among PWIDs & their spouses, CoNE successfully conducted a serological study
though adopting a Public Private Partnership model.
Methods: CoNE conducted awareness & screening camp after obtaining an ethical clearance from
the Research Ethics Board (REB), Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Government of India
with an objective to produce a state authenticated baseline HCV prevalence data among PWIDs &
their spouses. Whole blood samples were collected for HCV antibody testing along with study of
awareness level by using pre – and post questionnaire in nine districts of Manipur. The study was
conducted from July 10 to December 29, 2018.
Results: 70 awareness & screening camps were conducted covering all the nine districts of the state.
A total of 2597 people have been reached out through the awareness camps and 2219 people were
screened for HCV antibody out of which 956 (43.1%) were found reactive. Among them, 97.6 % are
male and 2.4% are female. Of the total people screened, 72% of them are aware of their HIV status.
6.7% of the participants, who had undergone HIV testing, were found co-infected with HCV. PWIDs
were 7 times more likely to have HCV infection than their spouses.
Conclusion: Findings will be used to support country and state level advocacy and planning for
implementation of policies and initiatives to scale up access to HCV testing & treatment for key
populations towards elimination.
Disclosure of Interest Statement: No conflict of interest to share.