SynthesisTropical medicine & international health : TM & IH2026
Comparative Impact of Active Versus Passive Surveillance on Hepatitis C Virus Testing Uptake, Diagnosis and Linkage to Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Synthesis in Tropical medicine & international health : TM & IH, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where limited diagnostic access and weak surveillance hinder progress toward the World Health Organization's 2030 elimination targets. This review compared the effectiveness of active versus passive surveillance on HCV testing uptake, diagnosis, and linkage to care in LMICs.
methodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2000 and July 2025 were retrieved from eight databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE. Eligible studies reported HCV testing, diagnosis, or linkage outcomes among adults (≥ 18 years) in LMICs. We conducted the meta-analysis using the random-effects model to estimate pooled prevalence, and qualitative findings were thematically synthesised.
resultsForty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 17 conducted across 21 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia contributed to the meta-analysis, reflecting regional rather than global estimates of HCV-RNA prevalence. The pooled HCV-RNA prevalence was 53.4% (95% CI: 32.8-74.1; I
conclusionActive surveillance substantially improves HCV detection and care linkage compared to passive approaches. However, sustainable hybrid systems that combine both models, strengthen laboratories, and engage the community are essential to achieve equitable progress toward HCV elimination in LMICs.
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