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Abstract The province of Brescia faces a relevant epidemiological situation, with the prevalence of HCV and HBV infection reaching up to 3.0% in some areas. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in HCV-related hepatocellular carcinomas has been overall in migrants. In Brescia and its province, there is a high number of migrants originating from countries with a high prevalence of viral hepatitis. The epidemiological context has led the MISI Foundation and the non-profit organization "Il Filo della Salute" to undertake a project aimed at identifying infections of HBV and HCV in a settled migrant population from Eastern Europe employed as caregivers. Through the analysis of the most suitable methodologies to engage the target population, which is generally reluctant to undergo medical analyses and tests in the host country, communication strategies have been identified using social web channels and disseminated by influencers to promote the project. The project attracted 350 participants (300 women and 50 men), mainly originating from Moldova. Following pre-test counseling, a self-test for HCVAb was administered, resulting in a positive outcome for 18 (5,1%). Among these, 4.2% tested positive for HCV RNA. In 300 subjects, the HBsAg test was offered, yielding a positive result in 8,3% of cases. All infected individuals were offered linkage to the nearest hepatological or infectious disease care facility based on their residence. The project has allowed the identification of a high number of migrants residing in the province of Brescia infected with HCV or HBV, with percentages consistent with the epidemiology of their country of origin. Within public health projects, it would be crucial to invest in dedicated screening campaigns for the settled migrant population, also considering the role as a caregiver, which is important for both minimizing the risk of transmission and reducing the progression of the infection.
Nasta et al. (Sun,) studied this question.