Table 5.

Strategies for HCV Prevention and Control in Injection Drug Users

Reducing injection drug use (prevention of exposure)

Evidence-based substance abuse prevention

Expansion of substance abuse treatment

Reducing HCV transmission among injection drug users (prevention of infection)

Access to sterile syringes and other injection equipment

Repeal of paraphernalia and syringe prescription laws

Establishment of syringe exchange and distribution programs

Education of physicians and pharmacists to provide injection drug users access to sterile injection equipment

Community-based outreach to injection drug users

Education in safe injection

Client-centered HCV counseling and testing

Reducing liver disease in infected injection drug users (prevention of disease)

Integration of prevention and care

Medical treatment for HCV infection

Integration of medical, mental health, substance use, and social services

Provision of services to incarcerated populations