England set to eliminate hepatitis C
England is on track to become one of the first countries to eliminate hepatitis C, having already met the target of treating 80% of known cases. Public health initiatives, including increased testing and antiviral treatments, have significantly reduced mortality and infection rates.
Why it matters
This represents a major milestone in global public health, demonstrating that a viral disease can be effectively managed and eliminated through targeted screening and accessible treatment.
Image source, Getty Images By Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Published 2 hours ago 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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