Projects

Feasibility and Outcomes of the Public Sector Hepatitis C Treatment Program in Myanmar

In Myanmar, the prevalence of HCV antibody was reported to be 2.7%, but estimates are higher among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key population groups, particularly among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). National Hepatitis Control Program (NHCP) launched a public sector HCV treatment program (called the Quick-Start Program) in June 2017 which includes simplified diagnosis and treatment algorithms at eight hospital sites (five in Yangon, two in Mandalay, and one in Nay Pyi Taw).

The NHCP would now like to measure the quality of service delivery model and to measure service gaps in the treatment chain and to assess treatment outcomes in the public sector hepatitis C treatment of the Quick-Start program.

Objectives

  1. To evaluate the treatment outcomes of the public sector’s hepatitis C treatment program (the Quick-Start program) in Myanmar, and

  2. To assess feasibility of the public sector’s hepatitis C treatment program (the Quick-Start program) in Myanmar.

This is a mixed-methods, descriptive operational study to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of the public sector hepatitis C treatment program.

Burnet Institute is aiming to work for objective 2. A qualitative study will be conducted that involves a narrative description of the service delivery models at each of the eight hospital sites, key informant interviews (clinicians, laboratory personnel, nurses, and data assistants), and patient exit interviews to assess test acceptability, feasibility of scale up and implementation challenges, and lessons for future programming.

In July 2020, Burnet Institute and CHAI presented our preliminary findings to the Myanmar NHCP, hepatologists involved in program delivery, other collaborators and the Myanmar WHO office to invite input into the summary report for the evaluation of the first year of program implementation. We then submitted a summary report with CHAI to NHCP for their submission to Ministry of Health and Sports to consider the findings for the further refinement and expansion of the program.

Next, we plan to prepare the full report and publications to disseminate the findings more broadly.

Timeline

  • August 2018 to August 2020

Collaborators

  • National Hepatitis Control Program
  • University of Medicine (1), Yangon Specialty Hospital
  • Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

Health Issue

Contact Details

For any general enquiries relating to this project, please contact:

Professor Margaret Hellard AM

Deputy Director, Programs; Adjunct Professor, Monash University, DEPM.

Telephone

+61385062304

Email

margaret.hellard@burnet.edu.au