Studies have found that HCV infection prevalence in prisons is higher than in normal population, ranging from 3.1% to 38% depending on HCV endemicity in the geographical location of the prison. Intravenous drug use (IVDU), tattooing and unsafe sexual contact, seen more commonly in incarcerated populations, are the main risk factors for acquiring HCV infection. In India, the State of Punjab has a reported prevalence of HCV of 3.2% in 2016 against ~ 1% for the general population in the country . As Punjab has a higher than average prevalence of HCV amongst the general population, it can be expected that prisons would exhibit yet higher prevalence of HCV.

FIND is currently conducting Hepatitis C micro-elimination through screening followed by confirmatory HCV diagnosis among prison inmates in Punjab with further appropriate action under the Government of Punjab and prisons department.

• The intervention covers 9 Central and 10 district prisons of Punjab with an estimated 21,400 in-mates over 18 months.
• Experience across the prisons will help to establish capacity to expand HCV diagnosis and treatment coverage to sub-district levels beyond project period.