Hepatitis C treatment outcomes using interferon- and ribavirin-based therapy in Kigali, Rwanda.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment data in sub-Saharan Africa are limited. This study was to determine HCV sustained virologic response(SVR) at 24 weeks in patients undergoing HCV therapy in Kigali, Rwanda.

METHODS: The paper presents data for all patients treated for HCV with ribavirin/interferon at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda, from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2014.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There were 69 evaluable patients. HCV genotype 4(61%, 42/69) predominated. 24-week SVR was 70%(26/37) by per-protocol and 32%(26/69) by intention-to-treat analysis. HCV treatment in Rwanda is feasible. SVR with interferon/ribavirin was acceptable in the per-protocol analysis. Transition to newer direct acting antivirals is urgently needed in Rwanda and sub-Saharan Africa more generally to improve treatment outcomes.