England set to eliminate hepatitis C

England is poised to become one of the first nations globally to eradicate hepatitis C, a liver-threatening virus, according to recent figures. The nation has already achieved its goal of treating 80% of all known cases, while deaths caused by the virus have dropped by 36% over the past ten years. However, this falls short of the 2030 target set by the World Health Organization.

Treating hepatitis C with antiviral tablets for 8 to 12 weeks can cure over 95% of cases. Various initiatives, including A&E blood tests, GP registration checks, and free at-home tests, have contributed to identifying individuals who were previously undiagnosed. NHS England explains that these methods have helped to uncover people who were unaware they were infected.

Hepatitis C is a silent disease, often without symptoms until it has progressed significantly. It spreads through contact with infected blood, such as sharing needles with an infected individual. Donor blood is already screened for the virus, reducing the risk of transmission.

Since 2015, more than 100,000 people in England have been diagnosed and treated for hepatitis C, meaning the country is currently on track to meet its goal. The country aims to reduce hepatitis C-related mortality by 65% compared to 2015 levels by 2030. Currently, around 50,200 adults in England are living with the virus. Estimates suggest that 84.6% of those with hepatitis C have been diagnosed, just shy of the 90% target.

The Hepatitis C Trust describes England as "on the cusp" of a significant public health accomplishment. Prof Frankie Swords, NHS national medical director, stated that England is leading the world in eliminating this disease and is on course to meet the WHO's 2030 target. However, they remain committed to maintaining momentum and completing the task.

Prof Swords urges at-risk individuals to come forward by ordering a free and confidential home-testing kit online. For those born in specific countries, including Ukraine, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Albania, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Czechia, or Slovakia, they are particularly urged to test due to potential risks from medical or dental procedures before 1991.

Paul Eatwell, a 65-year-old grandfather from Blackburn, Lancashire, is among the thousands who have been treated for hepatitis C. Diagnosed after a routine blood test, Paul initially felt disbelief, questioning how he could have contracted the virus. While the source of his infection is unknown, it has been suggested that medical procedures in South Africa decades ago could be a contributing factor.