England set to be one of the first countries to eliminate hepatitis C
England is on track to become one of the first nations to eliminate hepatitis C, having already met the target of treating 80% of known cases. Public health initiatives, including widespread testing and accessible antiviral treatments, have significantly reduced mortality rates.
Why it matters
This represents a major public health milestone, demonstrating that targeted screening and accessible medication can effectively eradicate a chronic viral disease.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Getty Images England is on track to become one of the first countries in the world to eliminate hepatitis C, a dangerous virus that attacks the liver, figures show.
The target of treating 80% of all known cases has already been met, and deaths from the virus have fallen by 36% in the last decade, just short of what is needed by 2030.
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.
Hepatitis C is spread through contact with blood infected with the virus, such as by sharing needles with someone who has it.
It is a silent disease, meaning people often have no symptoms until much later.
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