England's Historic Hepatitis C Treatment Breakthrough: What You Need to Know
England is on track to become one of the first countries in the world to eliminate hepatitis C, a virus that attacks the liver, according to figures. The country has already met its target of treating 80% of all known cases, and deaths from the virus have fallen by 36% in the last decade.
Silent Disease on the Decline
Hepatitis C is a silent disease, meaning people often have no symptoms until much later. It is spread through contact with blood infected with the virus, such as by sharing needles with someone who has it. Donor blood is already screened for it. Untreated, it can cause serious and potentially life-threatening liver damage.
NHS England says that since 2015, more than 100,000 people have been diagnosed and treated for hepatitis C, meaning the country is already meeting that target. Another goal – a 65% reduction in hepatitis C-related mortality compared with 2015 levels – has yet to be met, but might be before the 2030 target date.
Free Home Testing Kits Available
Adults born in Ukraine, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Albania, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Czechia or Slovakia are particularly urged to test, as some may have been infected through medical or dental procedures before 1991. People can order a free, confidential NHS home self-testing kit without needing to speak to a GP. NHS England is committed to finding and treating everyone who needs support and would urge those at greater risk to come forward.
Paul Eatwell, 65, was diagnosed after a routine blood test. The grandfather from Blackburn, Lancashire, said: “My first reaction was disbelief. I remember saying: ‘Are you sure? Surely there’s been some mistake.’” He says the medical support he received made a huge difference.
England Leading the World in Elimination Efforts
England is now leading the world in the mission to eliminate this disease and on course to beat the WHO's 2030 target, according to Prof Frankie Swords, NHS national medical director. He added: “We are committed to finding and treating everyone who needs support and would urge those at greater risk to come forward by ordering a free and confidential home-testing kit online.”
Around 50,200 adults are living with hepatitis C, figures for England in 2024 suggest. Estimates indicate 84.6% of those living with hepatitis C have been diagnosed – just short of the 90% target. The Hepatitis C Trust says England is “on the cusp” of one of the most significant public health achievements in our country’s history.
The treatment breakthrough is significant, as taking antiviral tablets for 8 to 12 weeks can cure more than 95% of cases. Initiatives including A&E blood tests, GP registration testing, and free at-home tests have helped to find people who were previously undiagnosed, says NHS England.
Source: Joy Online
