biostudies-literatureUnknown67Zou Z<h4>Background</h4>Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a global health concern, with cascade gaps hindering elimination. We aim to assess and compare HCV care cascades in four key populations: people living with HIV (PLHIV), people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), and incarcerated individuals.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (Jan 2019-Sept 2025) reporting ≥1 care cascade stage, including screening, confirmatory testing, linkage to care, treatment uptake and completion, and cure, among key populations (PROSPERO CRD42024577740). Four databases were searched. Pooled stage-specific proportions were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis, stratified by population and region.<h4>Findings</h4>We included 219 stuThe Lancet regional health. Western Pacific101803https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12906211biostudies-literatureProgressing towards global hepatitis C elimination: a systematic review and meta-analysis of care cascades in key populations.PMC12906211Zou ZSu SHu YWang QZhang YCao YZhang LfalseProgressing towards global hepatitis C elimination: a systematic review and meta-analysis of care cascades in key populations.<h4>Background</h4>Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a global health concern, with cascade gaps hindering elimination. We aim to assess and compare HCV care cascades in four key populations: people living with HIV (PLHIV), people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), and incarcerated individuals.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies (Jan 2019-Sept 2025) reporting ≥1 care cascade stage, including screening, confirmatory testing, linkage to care, treatment uptake and completion, and cure, among key populations (PROSPERO CRD42024577740). Four databases were searched. Pooled stage-specific proportions were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis, stratified by population and region.<h4>Findings</h4>We included 219 stu2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Feb2026-07-15T21:27:45.636Z2026-07-09T10:14:22.763ZS-EPMC129062114169523610.1016/j.lanwpc.2026.101803