Liver health events: an indigenous community-led model to enhance HCV screening and linkage to care.

Individuals residing in geographically isolated Indigenous communities often face multiple barriers trying to access healthcare services in Saskatchewan Canada. Consequently, many individuals who have HCV antibody (Ab), often lack confirmatory RNA test and experience delays in linkage to HCV treatment. A collective decision was made by pertinent stakeholders including community members, peers, community healthcare staff, Chief and leadership to improve access to screening and linkage to HCV treatment in community. A streamlined HCV screening pathway referred to as LHEs was developed by an Indigenous community. Since implementation in December 2016, 10 LHEs were delivered in community, with 540 participant visits, 227 hepatitis C tests conducted, and 346 FibroScans completed. Out of 294 unique individuals who attended, 64.3% were tested, and of those, 40.8% were Ab positive. Among those positive for antibodies, 41.7% had active hepatitis C infections, and among these, 90% were linked to care, and 14 new positive individuals were identified. Following the success of the LHEs in reaching the undiagnosed, this screening pathway has been adapted and implemented in at least 10 additional Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan, Canada.