Hepatitis C self-testing for people who inject drugs in South Africa and beyond: a catalytic innovation or red herring?

This commentary examines the potential contribution of hepatitis C self-testing to HCV elimination among people who inject drugs in South Africa and beyond. Drawing on implementation research, it discusses how high testing uptake can coexist with limited access to treatment and cure. It argues that self-testing must be embedded within accessible, decentralised HCV care and integrated harm reduction services, supported by domestic financing and action to address stigma and criminalisation. This is a preprint intended for publication in PLOS Global Public Health. It has not undergone peer review.