England set to be one of the first countries to eliminate hepatitis C

England is set to become one of the first nations globally to eradicate hepatitis C, a liver-damaging virus, according to recent figures. The nation has already achieved its goal of treating 80% of all known cases, with a 36% reduction in related deaths over the past decade. Antiviral tablets can cure over 95% of infections with an 8 to 12-week treatment.

Various initiatives, such as A&E blood tests, GP registration testing, and free at-home tests, have identified previously undiagnosed cases. NHS England reports that more than 100,000 people have been diagnosed and treated for hepatitis C since 2015. While a 65% reduction in hepatitis C-related mortality remains to be seen, the goal might be met before 2030.

Around 50,200 adults are living with the virus in England, where 84.6% have been diagnosed, falling short of the 90% target. The Hepatitis C Trust believes England is on the brink of a significant public health achievement. Health authorities urge at-risk individuals, particularly those born in certain Eastern European countries, to get tested.

People can order a free, confidential home self-testing kit online without a GP referral. One diagnosed patient, Paul Eatwell from Blackburn, Lancashire, expressed disbelief at his diagnosis, noting the importance of medical support. The infected blood scandal, which occurred between 1970 and 1991, led to over 30,000 infections and approximately 3,000 deaths, with further deaths expected.