England on track to be among first countries to eliminate hepatitis C
Treatment rate for hepatitis C reaches 80%, deaths have fallen by 36% in the last decade.
1Progress towards targets
England is making significant progress towards becoming one of the first countries to eliminate hepatitis C. Since 2015, over 100,000 people have been diagnosed and treated. The WHO's 2030 target of treating 80% of known cases has already been met. Death rates have fallen by 36% over the past decade, showing substantial progress in combating this liver-attacking virus.
2Effective treatment methods
Hepatitis C treatment involves 8-12 weeks of antiviral tablets, which cure more than 95% of cases. The NHS has implemented various initiatives to identify undiagnosed cases, including free at-home testing kits, blood donation screenings, and GP registration testing. These efforts have significantly improved detection rates and access to treatment across the population.
3The silent threat of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C spreads through contact with infected blood and often progresses without symptoms. Left untreated, it can cause severe liver damage and death. Current estimates suggest about 50,200 adults in England are living with hepatitis C in 2024, with 84.6% of cases diagnosed - close to the 90% target set by health authorities.
4At-risk groups and testing call
The NHS particularly urges adults born in Ukraine, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Albania, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Czechia or Slovakia to get tested. Those who underwent medical or dental procedures in these countries before 1991 are at higher risk. Free and confidential home testing kits are available online without needing to consult a GP first.
5Patient experience: Shock and treatment
Paul Eatwell, 65, described his shock upon being diagnosed with hepatitis C after a routine blood test: 'I couldn't believe it - I kept thinking there must be some mistake. I didn't feel ill at all.' Eatwell credits the medical support he received with making a huge difference in his recovery. Doctors suspect he may have contracted the virus during surgery in South Africa decades ago.
6Shadow of the blood scandal
Between 1970-1991, over 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C through contaminated blood products. This remains the worst treatment disaster in NHS history, having claimed more than 3,000 lives with more deaths expected. A public inquiry revealed authorities covered up the scandal and exposed victims to unacceptable risks.
7Global health achievement
The Hepatitis C Trust states England stands on the brink of one of the most significant public health achievements in the country's history. NHS National Medical Director Prof. Frankie Swords said: 'England is now leading the world in the mission to eliminate this disease.' However, the 65% reduction in hepatitis C-related mortality compared to 2015 levels has not yet been achieved.
82030 vision and beyond
England has already met WHO's 2030 hepatitis C elimination targets ahead of schedule. Health experts warn against losing momentum, emphasizing the need to find undiagnosed cases and encourage testing among at-risk groups. This success could establish an important model for global public health initiatives against viral hepatitis.