England moves closer to eliminating Hepatitis C, according to new data

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer. One of the biggest challenges in controlling the infection is that many people experience no symptoms for years, often only discovering they have the virus after significant liver damage has already occurred.

Fortunately, modern treatments have transformed outcomes for patients. A short course of antiviral medication lasting between 8 and 12 weeks can cure more than 95% of cases, turning the virus from a life-limiting condition into one that’s highly treatable.

As a result of increased testing and access to treatment, Hepatitis C-related deaths in England have fallen by 36% over the last decade. England has already exceeded the World Health Organization’s target of treating 80% of diagnosed Hepatitis C cases by 2030 and remains on track to achieve further elimination goals in the coming years.

Despite this progress, an estimated 50,200 people in England are still living with the infection, according to data released for 2024. Because the infection often develops without noticeable symptoms, many people don’t know that they have it.

Testing is particularly important for:

• People who currently use or have previously used injectable drugs
• Anyone who has received a tattoo or body piercing abroad
• Individuals who may have been exposed to contaminated blood products
• People who have moved to England from countries where Hepatitis C rates are higher

A simple test can provide reassurance or allow treatment to begin before serious liver damage occurs.

Some people are at higher risk for getting Hep C. In particular, the NHS has highlighted adults born in Eastern Europe, including:

• Albania
• Bulgaria
• Czechia
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Ukraine

Many people from these countries may have been exposed to Hepatitis C through medical or dental procedures performed before modern sterilisation standards were widely introduced.

Early diagnosis can have a significant impact on long-term health outcomes. Effective treatment not only cures the infection but is also expected to dramatically reduce the number of people requiring liver transplants over the next decade. In addition, successful treatment lowers the risk of developing liver cancer and cirrhosis.

While England’s achievements in reducing Hepatitis C are internationally recognised, health officials also emphasise the need for continued action against Hepatitis B.

Government estimates suggest that approximately 268,000 people in England are currently living with Hepatitis B. As global Hepatitis elimination targets cover both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, further work is needed to improve diagnosis, monitoring, and access to care.

Mike Asher, Chairman of Better2Know, said that “any advance in medical science that helps people live longer, healthier lives should be celebrated. As an organisation that routinely tests for Hepatitis C in our patients, we know the harm this infection can do, and we know how vital it is to seek treatment. To help eradicate this infection, it remains essential for all people concerned about their sexual health to get tested. Together, we can ensure a future where Hepatitis C can be considered a thing of the past.”

Hepatitis C is now one of the few chronic viral infections that can be cured quickly and effectively. Yet thousands of people remain unaware they’re infected.

If you think you may have been exposed to Hepatitis C, getting tested is one of the most important steps you can take. Early diagnosis can protect your liver, prevent long-term complications, and ensure you receive life-changing treatment if needed.