England on track to become first nation to eliminate hepatitis C
With over 100,000 patients treated since 2015, officials say the country is leading the global mission to eradicate the virus ahead of the 2030 deadline.
England is on course to become one of the first countries globally to eliminate hepatitis C, having already achieved the critical target of treating 80% of known cases. NHS England reports that more than 100,000 people have been diagnosed and treated for the virus since 2015, marking a significant milestone in public health strategy.
Deaths from the virus have fallen by 36% over the last decade. While this falls short of the specific mortality reduction target of 65% compared to 2015 levels, officials believe this goal will be met before the 2030 deadline. The country is also working to close the gap on diagnosis rates, which currently stand at 84.6% among the estimated 50,200 adults living with the virus, against a target of 90%.
The high efficacy of modern treatments has been a key driver in these outcomes. Antiviral tablets taken for eight to 12 weeks can cure more than 95% of cases. To identify previously undiagnosed individuals, NHS England has implemented initiatives including blood tests in accident and emergency departments, testing during GP registration, and the distribution of free at-home test kits.
Prof Frankie Swords, NHS national medical director, stated that England is leading the world in the mission to eliminate the disease. He emphasised that while the country is on course to beat the World Health Organization's 2030 target, there is a determination to maintain momentum. The NHS continues to urge those at greater risk to come forward by ordering free and confidential home-testing kits online without needing to speak to a GP.
Specific demographic groups are being targeted for testing due to historical risks. Adults born in Ukraine, Romania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Albania, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Czechia, or Slovakia are particularly urged to test, as some may have been infected through medical or dental procedures before 1991. The Hepatitis C Trust has described England as being on the cusp of a significant public health achievement, noting the country is close to realising one of the most substantial health victories in its history.
