Connect C

• identify strategies to address regulatory and operational barriers in each jurisdiction 

• identify models for using notifications data effectively and in an acceptable manner 

• implement and evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives that use hepatitis C notifications data in each state and territory 

• use effectiveness and cost-effectiveness modelling to identify sustainable approaches for using notification systems.

Timeline

2023–2026. 

Approach

Connect C has three key phases.

Phase 1: create an enabling environment

Research workshops will be undertaken with:  

• government and local public health units to address regulatory and operational barriers 

• community to assess intervention acceptability among people with lived experience of HCV and among people who inject drugs 

• service providers to identify feasible strategies that support clinical services.

Phase 2: implement and evaluate interventions

Outcomes from phase 1, including shared cross-jurisdictional insights, will be used to design and implement appropriate intervention programs within each jurisdiction. These programs will be designed to follow up HCV notifications and guide patient care pathways.  

The interventions will be evaluated for reach and effectiveness and to identify the most effective strategies.

Phase 3: modelling and research translation

This phase involves intervention impact analyses, epidemic modelling and cost effectiveness modelling. 

These outcomes will be used to identify sustainable HCV treatment approaches using notifications data and to enhance HCV treatment uptake.

Connect C will share learnings with community and help inform standards of practice that can be sustained.

A focused program aims to co-design interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations. 

This program will focus on culturally safe approaches to HCV treatment in these communities and settings.

Community impact

Connect C aims to help more people with HCV into care, treatment and cure.  

By improving notification systems and supporting elimination efforts in Australia, Connect C seeks to increase the number of people who are followed-up (after an initial HCV-positive test).

This will ensure that affected people know their HCV status and have access to care and an opportunity to begin treatment.  

The project will learn from affected communities about which interventions and strategies are the most effective and acceptable for diagnosis, treatment and cure. 

It will also help Australia move closer to its 2030 target of HCV elimination.