National Hepatitis C campaign
Information
From September 2009 until February 2010 a Dutch national hepatitis C campaign has been performed. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness on hepatitis C among the Dutch population, and to make people aware of the risks of infection. Unfortunately, the majority of the Dutch population is unaware of these risks. Fortunately, hepatitis C is treatable disease. Mainline and the Trimbos Institute in collaboration with addiction treatment services, performed the campaign for substance users. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to risks of hepatitis C transmission is advised to contact their family doctor and to have themselves tested. Professionals in the care for substance users and as well general practitioners play a key role in weighing the risks involved and the decision to refer the person in question for a blood test.
Target group
- the general public, in particular people who had a blood transfusion before 1992
- people who use (hard) drugs, or have previously used them
- people from endemic areas
- intermediaries, including family doctors, Municipal Health Services (GGD) staff and employees in drug treatment centres
Mainline’s contribution
As part of the hepatitis C campaign, Mainline provided training for medical professionals in addiction treatment services that focuses on hepatitis C; this concerns both testing and counselling. Mainline also focuses attention on this issue among substance users during an outreach work campaign (outreach workers visit 11 cities to provide information). In co-operation with the Trimbos institute, Mainline is developed information material for substance users and care providers.
More information or advice:
Ineke Baas, project manager ››
