69394 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

69394 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter April to June 2024 toward the objective ‘Reduce barriers to access to hepatitis C treatments in the community’ under ‘Focus area 5: Integration and access to care’ in the National Hepatitis C Action Plan?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that during the April to June 2024 quarter, Health New Zealand's Northern region undertook a study to test the feasibility of using community lab sites as a channel for offering hepatitis C testing. The study showed people were open to the ideas, with 2781 tested at four community lab sites over a two-week period. Linkage to care was a key component of the process. All positive cases found were successfully linked to treatment. I am further advised that the prototype hepatitis C support and treatment service in Northern region, which offers intensive support for people who have fallen off traditional hepatitis C treatment pathways, is proving effective. By the end of the quarter, there had been 175 referrals into the service. I am also advised that the Dry Blood Spot service validated and implemented in the Northern region continues to be adopted by hepatitis C test and treat providers, with 30 tests conducted since the service’s launch earlier in the quarter. All positive cases identified through this process have been converted to treatment.