HIV and viral hepatitis community-based testing in low threshold settings: European experiences

The fourth webinar, "HIV and viral hepatitis community-based testing in low threshold settings: European experiences" occurred on Tuesday, 29 October from 14-14:30 CET. Jason Farrell of Correlation Network provided information on establishing and maintaining integrated testing for viral hepatitis and HIV through community services in low threshold organisations. One of the aims of the webinar was to give service providers a better understanding of what community testing is, and the challenges when establishing integrated testing for viral hepatitis and HIV with medical workers or with peer workers (lay providers) in community services. The webinar informed about the potential barriers and issues between both types of service provision and present good practice examples from select sites in Europe that have successfully overcome barriers in implementing community testing in low threshold organisations.

This webinar will also examine current EU policies and testing guidelines, including 2015 WHO consolidated guidelines on HIV testing services and the 2018 ECDC guidance on testing for viral hepatitis and HIV, and identified best practices to support testing in low threshold settings.

Brief presenter bio: Jason Farrell works as a project officer for Correlation Network. He is responsible for HCV prevention capacity building, providing training and program support for Correlation Network’s member organisations involved in HCV-community testing.