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Background and Objective Recent advances in hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnostic testing methods allow for a one-stop simplified ‘test and cure’ approach. The cost effectiveness of incorporating this simplified approach into HCV screening in Iraq remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the cost effectiveness of different HCV testing and diagnostic approaches, and screening strategies in Iraq from a health service perspective. Methods A cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken using a hybrid model comprising a screening decision tree linked to a lifetime Markov model to estimate outcomes in HCV-infected people. Cost and utility estimates were sourced from the published literature and expert guidance provided by clinicians and policy makers in Iraq. Cost estimates were reported in 2019 USD or 2019 Iraqi Dinar and both costs and benefits were discounted at 3.5% annually. Results Strategies using a simplified approach were found to be cost saving in addition to improving patient outcomes when compared with a standard testing and diagnostic approach. When considering risk-based screening, a simplified approach was associated with a total cost saving of Iraqi Dinar 4375 billion (USD 3.7 billion) and per patient life-year and quality-adjusted life-year gains of 0.30 and 0.55, compared with a standard approach. Benefits and cost savings were driven by a 32.2% and 23.6% reduction in the incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, respectively. Estimated benefits and cost savings increased under total population screening. All screening and testing and diagnostic approaches were cost effective compared with a no screening scenario. Conclusions Improvements in the detection of HCV combined with a simplified one-stop testing and diagnostic approach represents an opportunity to reduce the burden of HCV in Iraq and may play a significant role in meeting World Health Organisation HCV elimination targets.

The effect of heat pipe thermosiphon in reducing the operating temperature of a photovoltaic panel has been analyzed theoretically and experimentally in this paper. Copper heat pipe thermosiphon with acetone as a working fluid was used. The theoretical study involved a heat balance analysis of the panel with cylindrical heat pipe with surface contact with the panel bottom. The experimental study involved recording temperature variations, with and without a heat pipe, which had very good agreement with the theoretical results of 2.61%. Additionally, the optimum quantity of acetone was 50 mL, with a maximum reduction in panel temperature of 10 °C.