Mobile Screening Units Spearhead Hepatitis C Elimination in Spain
Innovative mobile screening units (UMC),backed by AbbVie,are proving instrumental in the early diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases,particularly hepatitis C (HCV),among vulnerable populations in Spain. These units bring healthcare directly to those with limited access, bridging critical gaps in the public health system.
Accessibility and Trust: The Cornerstones of the UMC Model
The UMCs are designed to overcome bureaucratic and geographical obstacles that frequently enough prevent early diagnosis,especially among marginalized groups such as the homeless,drug users,and undocumented migrants. by offering rapid testing and portable PCR services in safe, accessible environments, these units foster trust and encourage participation.
Did you know?
Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus that can cause serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing these complications.
according to Dr. Pablo Ryan, an infectologist at the Infanta leonor hospital and coordinator of the initiative, The mobile units of screening are born as part of street medicine or street medicine, with the aim of bringing the diagnosis and treatment to people with difficult access to the health system.
- Breaking Barriers: UMCs eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and geographical limitations.
- High Acceptance: Services address unmet needs,leading to greater participation.
- Safe Environments: Testing is conducted in secure and trustworthy settings.
Seamless Integration with the Healthcare System
A key component of the UMC model is its seamless integration with the existing healthcare infrastructure. When a positive case is identified, a streamlined referral process is activated, ensuring continuity of care at designated hospitals.
Dr. Ryan emphasizes the importance of coordinated protocols, stating, The link to the health system works if agile and coordinated protocols are established, which allows the vast majority of diagnosed patients.
Pro Tip:
If you are at risk for hepatitis C, talk to your doctor about getting tested. Early detection can save your life.
The project also explores the use of emerging technologies, such as point-of-care testing and digital applications for patient monitoring. Moreover,ther are plans to expand screening to include other infections,such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and tuberculosis.
The ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive network that integrates social services, addiction programs, and mental health support.
The Path to Hepatitis C Elimination
Spain is striving to eliminate hepatitis C, but an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 individuals remain undiagnosed. UMCs play a vital role in reaching these individuals and achieving the country’s elimination goals.
Dr. Ryan notes,These initiatives directly address populations where transmission persists and infradiagnosis is concentrated,which is the main obstacle to elimination. UMC acts as an epidemiological surveillance tool, prevention, screening and treatment, all in the same act.
The impact of UMCs extends beyond mere healthcare delivery. As Dr.Ryan explains:
With the UMC we eliminate plumazo barriers: It is indeed no longer the patient who should look for the system, but the system that comes to meet the patient in his own land. This has a huge impact on trust and acceptance.
Dr. Pablo Ryan, Infectologist, Infanta leonor Hospital
Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly in securing stable funding and institutional support for the mobile units. Flexible regulations are also needed to further improve patient access.
