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Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security in collaboration with the National Infectious Diseases Service and its partner associations has announced it is mobilising ahead of the World Hepatitis Day, which takes place every 28 July.

The ministry noted the need to intensify efforts to raise awareness of and combat this disease that affects millions of people around the world.

The Health Directorate also took this opportunity to remind people who have contracted the hepatitis C virus and who are not receiving medical supervision that there are highly effective treatments available nowadays. In such cases, the ministry stressed the need to contact a GP or a specialist (infectiologist, hepatologist, etc.) to assess one’s condition.

Local centres promoting prevention and screening

Under the aegis of the 2023-2028 national programme to combat viral hepatitis, and in line with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) objective of eradicating viral hepatitis by 2030, the Health Directorate noted it is continuing its fight against this disease by facilitating access to hepatitis C screening for the most vulnerable segments of the population.

The Outreach project, launched in 2022 and funded by the Health Directorate, has notably led to significant advances to be made in the screening and treatment of hepatitis C.

By 2023, more than 150 screenings had been carried out among high-risk populations, three times more than in 2022, making it possible to identify and treat affected individuals in hard-to-reach populations who are not necessarily able to attend hospital consultations. In addition, the acquisition of new rapid diagnostic equipment enabled the diagnosis of 50 cases of active hepatitis C requiring treatment.

The availability of diagnostics and treatments in the close surroundings of reception centres such as Abrigado or the Jugend an Drogenhëllef is crucial to the care of at-risk populations, particularly female drug users, who are all the more vulnerable because of their gender, the ministry stressed. The sexual violence and forced, unprotected prostitution they sometimes have to face affects their self-esteem, prevents them from protecting themselves effectively and also makes it difficult for them to access healthcare.

A dedicated group for women has been set up in the Abrigado reception centre, where they can meet educators, nurses, social workers and other women with a similar experience. In 2023, 82 of them benefitted from this system.

"The work of caregivers in these reception structures is valuable. They provide a safe space where women can benefit from appropriate care and support, thus breaking their isolation and allowing them to maintain their dignity. On this World Hepatitis Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the fight against this disease and our desire to facilitate access to care for the most vulnerable people, with or without social security coverage, because health is a right for all," said Luxembourg’s Minister of Health and Social Security, Martine Deprez.

Upcoming initiatives

A regular information and awareness-raising campaign aimed primarily at drug users focuses on four key areas: “prevention", "screening", "treatment" and "self-respect".

The Test and Treat strategy, which is available to everyone in facilities specialising in addiction treatment, will continue with the aim of breaking the chain of transmission of infectious diseases. The Health Directorate, in collaboration with partner organisations, is also aiming to step up screening efforts and standardise them on a weekly basis at two reception facilities: the Abrigado and Kontakt Esch centres.

Training courses for healthcare professionals will also be available to improve the skills of those working in the field, ensuring high-quality care for people at risk.

In general, the ministry noted it is calling for greater collaboration with its partners to develop relationships of trust with drug users, to improve their access to treatment and patient follow-up.

Training for health professionals will also be available to improve the skills of those working in the field, thus ensuring quality care for people at risk.

Where to get tested

Screening for hepatitis C can be carried out:

  • by making an appointment with a GP or any other doctor;
  • by attending the screening consultation of the National Infectious Diseases department at the CHL, where a blood test or rapid test may be prescribed,
  • by visiting the HIV-Berodung service of the Luxembourg Red Cross, where a rapid test is offered,
  • at the Abrigado and Kontakt Esch, where rapid screening is available, as well as diagnosis, on certain days only, thanks to the new rapid diagnosis device for active infection;
  • at the LGBTIQ+ Cigale centre, which offers free, anonymous screenings every Thursday from 12:30 to 14:30.

Further information is available on the DIMPS website: https://www.croix-rouge.lu/fr/service/hiv-berodung/dimps/.