About Educate, Test, Treat! (ETT)
Educate, Test, Treat! (ETT) is Singapore’s first halfway house-led initiative aimed at educating, screening and treating former injection drug offenders on the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
The ETT initiative offers former drug offenders free HCV screening and treatment, focusing on education, testing, and seamless linkage to care. By providing accessible and effective HCV care, our ETT initiative aligns with Singapore’s efforts toward the World Health Organization’s Global Hepatitis Strategy for the elimination of HCV by 2030.
To date, hundreds of individuals from participating halfway houses — including HCSA Highpoint, Pertapis Halfway House, Jamiyah Halfway House, Selarang Halfway House, The Helping Hand, and Teen Challenge Singapore — have been tested, among which many who have tested HCV-positive have received treatment. This effort is complemented by ETT’s befriender support, which guides HCV-positive patients through their treatment journey, encouraging adherence and completion.
Community Partners
Gilead Sciences, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore)
Year Started
2022
15 to 20 years ago, that was when they found out that I had Hepatitis C. They found that a certain percentage of my liver had hardened, and there was scarring. So I began my treatment. After I finished my medication, 2 weeks later, I went back to the hospital to see my specialist. After further testing, the specialist said, “I’ve got good news”. I was all cleared. I was so relieved, so thankful, so grateful. Previously there was no cure. But now there is. So why not? To me, this treatment is actually a gift.