In the context of its contribution to monitoring HCV elimination among PWID in Europe, the EMCDDA conducted a study on current HCV policies, assessing if and how these refer to people who inject drugs (PWID). This document contains a compilation of information about the current HCV policies in all EU countries and Norway and short assessments on whether these policies address PWID’s access to HCV care. It provides background information for this online publication: 'Viral hepatitis policies in Europe’.

For the purpose of this project, “HCV policies” were defined as: national strategies, programmes and action plans addressing HCV treatment and care – either in general terms or specifically with regard to PWID – including those where viral hepatitis is an integrated part of a broader health strategies or plan. Between February and October 2017, a targeted search for policy documents was undertaken in workbooks on the drug situation and responses submitted by National Focal Points to the EMCDDA, published and grey literature, and relevant national websites. Additional information was gathered through the EMCDDA expert network on drug-related infectious diseases. To illustrate access of PWID to HCV treatment and care, current clinical guidelines, practice and research reports were also considered.

An assessment of whether and how national policies or clinical guidelines address the access of people who inject drugs to HCV care and treatment was made and analytical summaries as well as lists of national policy-relevant documents were compiled.