Hepatitis C, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), is a major public health concern in Finland, with 1,150 new cases reported every year. Infection puts an estimated 0.59 per cent of the population at heightened risk of developing cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer, simultaneously creating a significant cost burden on the Finnish healthcare system in terms of treatment, hospital stays and advanced liver care. Finland has committed to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) objective to reduce the burden of the disease by eliminating hepatitis C from the country by 2030. However, the nation is still far from achieving this goal, and the number of people newly diagnosed with HCV every year remains steady despite efforts to formulate preventative strategies. The country’s welfare states therefore need to work together to develop an action plan and allocate funding appropriately. This white paper summarises the findings from recent discussions involving several healthcare stakeholders as to the next directions for tackling HCV. It also highlights key recommendations to help enhance holistic care of HCV patients with HCV, emphasising the need for rapid test-and-treat pathways that can be implemented at the point of patient care.
