The goal of the research program is to accelerate access to innovative and underutilized tools and approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HCV within harm reduction settings. The program is structured around two research components, each introducing a distinct, underused tool. The first study focuses on implementing a Low Dead Space Syringes/Needles (LDSS/N) distribution program for PWID in Oyo State, Nigeria. This needle and syringe program aims to reduce the risk of HCV transmission associated with injecting drug use by providing sterile LDSS/N equipment. The second study, conducted in Gombe State, assesses the acceptability, feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of Long-Acting Depot Buprenorphine (LADB) for the treatment of opioid dependence.

Since its inception, the HepC3P project has delivered notable milestones under SFH’s current strategic plan. It provided technical expertise in eighteen (119%) high-level stakeholder engagements, fostering collaboration and revitalizing harm reduction services in Oyo State. The project conducted FGDs with thirty-nine (150%) community members, leveraging qualitative tools to capture values and preferences that informed community-centered interventions. It supported stakeholders and partners with technical assistance on the innovative Medication-Assisted Treatment commodity procurement and worked with the Oyo State Ministry of Health to strengthen harm reduction logistics systems. The project also trained thirty-five researchers across five countries on tailored qualitative methods. It also developed eleven innovative harm reduction IEC materials, and submitted two abstracts, both accepted for presentation at the 2025 INHSU conference.

As of June 2025, both research activities are ongoing; LDSS/N research is in phase two, while LADB awaits final ethical approval.