# The SCANVIR® Project: A Success in Hepatitis C Micro-Elimination in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

## TL;DR

The SCANVIR® project successfully reduced hepatitis C in high-risk groups in Nouvelle-Aquitaine by providing on-site screening, treatment, and prevention.

## Contribution

SCANVIR® demonstrated a cost-effective model for HCV micro-elimination by reaching marginalized populations with integrated diagnostics and treatment.

## Key findings

- SCANVIR® screened 1664 high-risk individuals, identifying 23.4% with anti-HCV antibodies.
- 83% of those with active HCV infection initiated treatment, with 80% cured or in treatment.
- FibroScan® revealed advanced liver damage in 24.2% of patients, emphasizing the need for early intervention.

## Abstract

The SCANVIR® project is a regional initiative aimed at accelerating the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by reaching high-risk populations outside traditional healthcare settings. Launched in 2017 in Limoges and later expanded to Poitiers and Bordeaux, the project organized dedicated screening and treatment days in 43 facilities taking care of intravenous drug users, migrants, and prisoners in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. These events involved multidisciplinary teams and advanced diagnostic tools, including rapid tests for HCV, HBV, and HIV; FibroScan® for liver assessment; and GeneXpert® for on-site HCV RNA detection. Patients also received counseling on risk prevention, addiction, psychosocial support, and treatment when needed. Between 2017 and 2024, SCANVIR® screened 1664 patients, with 98.9% accepting FibroScan®. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 23.4% of participants, among whom 41.5% (N = 162) had a replicative profile. Of these, 83% initiated treatment and 80% were cured or were still undergoing therapy. FibroScan® assessments showed advanced fibrosis in 17% of patients, severe fibrosis in 7.2%, and severe steatosis in 18%. By promoting a “Test, Treat, Prevent” strategy, SCANVIR® proved cost-effective in diagnosing and treating individuals distant from care structures, highlighting the value of integrating education and prevention into liver disease screening. SCANVIR® is an officially registered European trademark.