African Laboratory Medicine | 04 October 2008
Community Screening and Intervention for Hepatitis C Virus Among Commercial Sex Workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,
K, a, s, a, n, g, a, N, d, a, y, i, l, e, h, u, ,, M, u, n, y, a, S, i, m, b, a
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant public health concern in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where commercial sex workers are at high risk due to risky sexual practices and limited access to healthcare. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving baseline surveys followed by periodic follow-ups over two years. Screening was conducted using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) with sensitivity and specificity rates of 95%. A total of 400 commercial sex workers were screened, with an infection rate of 20%, indicating a significant prevalence of HCV in the community. The intervention programmes led to a substantial reduction in new infections by providing free antiviral treatment and education on safe practices. Continued support for screening initiatives and ongoing public health campaigns are essential to control the spread of HCV among commercial sex workers in Dar es Salaam. Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.