The objectives of this EAG will include:

1. Identification of high-risk populations for HCV infection who will be the target for clinical trials (e.g. community-based people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, adolescents, health care workers) and estimates of the incident case rate, as well as the behavioural and social characteristics of the groups

2. Identify potential vaccine trial sites (with appropriate clinical trials infrastructure and links to accredited laboratory facilities). 

3. Identify strategies to promote the development of clinical trials infrastructure and capacity in high incidence sites where this is lacking.

4. Design a platform clinical vaccine trial protocol to ensure high-quality design and conduct of vaccine trials

5. Identify social barriers in Hep C vaccine rollout and integrate social sciences in a strategic framework that addresses barriers.