INTRODUCTION:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, disproportionately affecting key populations due to higher exposure risks and social vulnerabilities. Despite advancements in treatment, testing, and diagnosis, these remain suboptimal, largely due to various barriers. This scoping review systematically mapped barriers and facilitators influencing risk communication and HCV testing among key populations to guide intervention strategies with potential global impact.

METHODS:
The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, as enhanced by Levac et al., and was reported using the PRISMA-ScR checklist. A comprehensive search strategy was applied to multiple databases and grey literature, with data screening and extraction conducted independently by two reviewers.

RESULTS:
Thematic analysis revealed five major themes: knowledge and misconceptions about HCV, stigma and discrimination, accessibility of testing services, communication strategies and peer-led interventions, and integration of HCV testing with other health and community services. Key facilitators included targeted educational campaigns, peer-led approaches, culturally sensitive and confidential services, mobile testing, and integration with trusted platforms such as HIV clinics and opioid treatment programmes.

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings underscore the importance of decentralised, integrated, and stigma-free services to strengthen global HCV testing and diagnosis efforts. Addressing persistent gaps in communication, stigma reduction, and sustainable service delivery is vital for achieving the WHO Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis (2022–2030) and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 on health and well-being. Ultimately, improving HCV testing uptake among key populations contributes to reducing health inequities and improving global public health outcomes.