Poor linkage to care may compromise the Brazilian plan for hepatitis C elimination.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) seroprevalence was shown to vary from 0.7% to 1.38%. Most of those results were obtained in baby boomers tested during HCV screening campaigns, but little is known about the frequencies of linkage to care (LTC) and sustained virological response (SVR) of those HCV+ tested patients. The aim of this work was to evaluate HCV seroprevalence in two large HCV screening campaigns and the frequency of LTC and SVR obtained from those HCV+ patients. The results of this initiative are presented in this short communication. HCV seroprevalence was shown to vary according to HCV testing venue, possibly related to socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. Poor LTC and SVR rates were observed in those HCV+ tested patients, reflecting the existence of not readily detectable barriers, probably related to direct non-medical costs, that needs to be taken into consideration in order to accomplish WHO goals for disease elimination.