In Person & By Zoom

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89646408152?pwd=52N4SEywaoHlQP20pP1vNeWkbJWDkH.1
Meeting ID: 896 4640 8152
Passcode: 557826

Derek Johnson, MPH, PhD
Assistant Professor, Epidemiologist, Office of Public Health Sciences University of Hawaii at Manoa

Myanmar has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Southeast Asia, with approximately 6% of sex workers and 35% of injection drug users testing positive for HIV. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is also a significant public health concern, with HCV prevalence estimated to be between 10–20% for PLHIV, and approximately 56% of injection drug users testing positive for HCV. In low-income settings like Myanmar, access to HCV diagnosis and treatment remains limited due to centralized healthcare models, financial constraints, and logistical barriers. Our research evaluated a decentralized, integrated model of hepatitis C care for HIV/HCV co-infected patients within an HIV clinic in Myanmar. By providing point-of-care testing, simplified diagnostics, and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment onsite, our project aimed to reduce patient attrition and improve treatment uptake and outcomes. Decentralized healthcare is vital in resource-limited settings as it enhances service accessibility, reduces patient costs, and strengthens linkage to care. Our integrated care model demonstrated high treatment initiation and sustained virologic response (SVR) rates, supporting the scalability and relevance of our project for similar low-resource contexts burdened by co-infections.