Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus among refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced populations within Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported

• Effect Size: 3.63% pooled seroprevalence

• Primary Outcome: HCV seroprevalence among RASIDP in Africa

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Northern Africa origin: 10.03% (95% CI: 9.03-11.13%); Age >40 years: 5.70% (95% CI: 0.81-14.21%)

• Confidence Interval: 95% CI: 0.54-9.16%

Clinical Application

Supports targeted HCV screening in refugee health programs, though wide confidence intervals limit precision of risk estimates Relevant to Australian refugee health assessment protocols and may inform targeted screening strategies within settlement services and community health programs Refugee and asylum seeker populations in Australia, particularly those from Northern African countries and older adults

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), an often overlooked public health concern, is highly prevalent among marginalized groups. Refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced people (RASIDP) constitute an underserved population in healthcare. Given that displacement rates are increasing and that HCV is endemic to many African countries, we aimed to determine the prevalence of HCV among RASIDP communities in Africa. Studies investigating HCV prevalence within RASIDP communities across Africa were identified via the following database searches: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO, and the WHO Africa Index Medicus. Seroprevalence estimates were meta-analysed using a random-effects model, with data stratified by participant region, age, and gender. Across 9 studies, we estimated a pooled HCV seroprevalence of 3.63% (95% CI: 0.54, 9.16) among RASIDP in Africa. Seroprevalence varied by region of origin and age, with those from Northern Africa and those aged > 40 years having the highest seroprevalence, at 10.03% (95% CI:9.03, 11.13) and 5.70% (95% CI: 0.81, 14.21), respectively. RASIDP communities represent a marginalised and vulnerable population that often faces significant barriers to accessing healthcare. Our findings show that HCV seroprevalence within these communities varies by region and age, thus suggesting a need for targeted screening approaches.

References

1. 1.Beddard, E. K., Kassa, G. M., Walker, J. G., Lim, A. G., & French, C. E. (2026). Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus among refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced populations within Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Global Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2026.2654240