HIV/HCV Among Drug Users in Germany: Elimination Targets in the Mirror of Practice

Abstract

In 2016, the World Health Organization presented the first strategy for the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030, following the goals of the Agenda 2030. Ending Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by 2030 was also formulated as one of the Sustainable Development Goals and subsequently included and elaborated in the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) strategy. People who inject drugs (PWID) are among the most vulnerable groups in terms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Following the objectives of the WHO and the UN, the German Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) has presented the first integrated overall strategy for HIV and Hepatitis C (as well as Hepatitis B and other sexually transmitted infections). Six years after the adoption of the German government's BIS 2030 strategy this article discusses the role of PWID in Germany in relation to the elimination targets on HIV and HCV based on currently available data and in light of recent responses and efforts from the field. Although there are multiple positive practice approaches, the WHO elimination targets have not yet been achieved with regard to HCV and HIV in PWID. In order not to fail the elimination targets 2030, Germany will have to substantially improve the situation of PWID as a key group and in particular advance the implementation of diagnostics and treatment as well as evidence-based harm reduction measures.