About Us
People who inject drugs (PWID) are most at risk for acquiring hepatitis C. In Thailand, studies among PWID have shown that up to 80-90% of them have been infected with the virus. Other groups (men who have sex with men and transgender persons) are also at high risk of infection.
Breakthrough therapy now exists to cure hepatitis C, but uptake is low because of cost barriers, and PWID are often denied treatment.
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The C-FREE study is a community-based model of care for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C and other infectious diseases in high-risk groups, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and transgender persons, using a highly effective novel treatment combination called Sofosbuvir/Ravidasvir.​
The study is based on drop-in-centers (DIC) run by partner organizations, including Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), Raks Thai Foundation, Thai Drug Users' Network (TDN), APASS, Care Team Songkhla, Give Hope Group, ACTTEAM, and People For Change Group.
Testing for hepatitis C, but also hepatitis B, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and latent tuberculosis (TB) are all done at the DIC by trained research nurses. Care and support are provided for all participants who test positive for HBV, HIV, STI, and TB.
For eligible participants with HCV, physicians give treatment with Sofosbuvir/Ravidasvir through weekly clinics at the DIC. Participants who are cured are monitored for reinfection and provided support to stay HCV-free.
Latest Highlights
Up to June 2024
4,787
1,611
95%
People enrolled
in C-FREE study
People started on
Hepatitis C treatment
Percentage cured
from Hepatitis C
Where we Work
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Bang Khae, Bangkok
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Public Health Center 28 Krung Thonburi, Bangkok
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New Step Clinic Lad Prao, Bangkok
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Samrong, Samut Prakan province
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Chiang Mai province
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Chiang Rai province
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Mae Ramat, Tak province
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Khon Kaen province
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Chana, Songkhla province
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Su-ngai Kolok, Narathiwat province
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Pattani province
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Nakhon Si Thammarat province
The C-FREE community-based model of care has already shown great success, driving many people to access services.
Some participants have come from far distances in Thailand to receive friendly care and treatment services.
Essentially all participants who have completed treatment have been confirmed to be cured from HCV infection.
How it Works
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Partner NGOs disseminate information about the C-FREE treatment opportunity to people who use drugs, in the community.
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A Research Nurse in the community drop-in-centers (DIC) provides counseling and testing for hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and latent tuberculosis (TB)
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People with confirmed Hepatitis C infection meet a study doctor who provides & monitors curative treatment of Hepatitis C, at the DIC weekly clinic.
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12 weeks after completion of treatment, the Research Nurse confirms the cure of the infection with rapid viral load testing done on site.
Our Future Plans
Include and cure more people in need at the current C-FREE study sites.
Open new study sites to reach more target groups.
