This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Cases of hepatitis C fall by 45 per cent in England
The UK Health Security Agency has revealed that there are 70,649 people living with hepatitis C in England in 2022, a 45 per cent decrease since 2015.
It is believed that the decrease is due to improved access to antivirals that cure the infection.
More than 80,000 people have been treated by NHS England since 2015.
The World Health Organization has a target to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030.
Dr Sema Mandal, deputy director, blood borne viruses at UKHSA, said: "Hepatitis C treatment has improved dramatically over recent years, but we need to identify people with the infection early to keep on track with elimination by 2030. Many people remain undiagnosed, often because they have no symptoms or are unaware that they have ever been at risk.
"If you have ever injected drugs – even if it was only once or years ago – you could be at risk of hepatitis C. If you think you could be at risk, speak to your GP or do a test at home."
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: "Finding and treating more than 80,000 people as part of our hepatitis C elimination programme is a huge achievement and I’m delighted that we remain on track to eliminate the virus as a public health concern by 2030.
"Earlier this year we launched a new service on the NHS website to enable people to confidentially order at-home testing kits, and so far over 4,500 people have used this kit to get tested.
"Hepatitis C treatment is simple to take and highly effective, with people usually cleared of the virus within 3 to 4 months. If anyone is worried they might be at risk, it’s never been easier to get tested and be treated, or receive peace of mind, at the first opportunity."
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