Hepatitis C virus microelimination among men who have sex with men in Taiwan: Our progress, achievements, and remaining challenges.

Abstract

Since 2010, high-risk sexual contact has become a major route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in Taiwan, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). With the rollout of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and the implementation of national strategies such as mass screening and reflex viral load testing to improve detection of HCV viremia, Taiwan has made substantial progress toward HCV elimination. Among MSM living with HIV, the prevalence, incidence, and reinfection rates of HCV have significantly declined following the implementation of the HCV elimination program. This success has been largely attributed to the integration of HCV care into routine HIV services, resulting in high rates of HCV screening, confirmation of viremia, and treatment uptake. In contrast, the HCV epidemiology among HIV-negative MSM remains poorly characterized, and those not engaged in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs may have limited access to testing and treatment. As Taiwan has achieved the goals of HCV elimination in the general population, sustained efforts are needed to timely diagnose sexually transmitted HCV infection, monitor reinfection, and expand unlimited access to DAAs to sustain elimination efforts beyond 2025.