Leveraging genomic surveillance to enhance elimination strategies for hepatitis C virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated genomic surveillance of viruses, which has been lauded for its use in improving pandemic preparedness and informing public health strategy. WHO estimates that 68% of countries globally now have the capacity for viral genomic surveillance and the ability to rapidly share genetic information with the global community. The scaling up of genomic surveillance during the past 2 years offers an unparalleled opportunity for initial investment and mobilisation of capacity towards other pathogens, such as hepatitis C virus.