Hepatitis C self-testing as a tool to expand diagnosis: Lessons emerging from implementation research

This opinion paper examines lessons emerging from hepatitis C self-testing implementation research across diverse settings and their implications for HCV elimination programmes. It discusses the potential of self-testing to reach populations underserved by conventional services, while highlighting how access to confirmatory testing and treatment determines its public-health value. The paper considers integration into existing services, adaptation to local contexts, affordability and pragmatic approaches to monitoring linkage to care. This is a preprint intended for publication in PLOS Global Public Health. It has not undergone peer review.