The NHS is committed to eliminating hepatitis C in England by 2025 before the global goal of 2030. A team led by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) is on track to eliminate hepatitis C from the east of England by 2025, with targets now reached in Wisbech in Cambridgeshire and Grays in Essex.
CUH is co-ordinating rapid testing, liver scanning and treatment across the region. It’s spearheaded by a community van and specialist team, visiting drug and alcohol services, probation services and prisons, places of worship and community clinics and support groups.
This year for World Hepatitis Day - Friday 28 July - we want to raise awareness and encourage more people to get tested. We will also be planting a tree in memory of all those who lost their lives to hepatitis C before treatments became effective and widely available.
It has never been easier to find out if you have hepatitis C.The NHS has launched a new testing service, allowing you to easily and discreetly get tested for hepatitis C from the comfort of your own home (opens in a new tab).
If left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to life-threatening conditions like liver cancer or liver failure. Whilst significant progress is being made to reduce the number of people with hepatitis C, there are still people who are unaware that they are living with this curable virus. Around 2% of the world’s population are living with hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus. Common routes of transmission include:
- Blood transfusion prior to 1991 in the UK
- Solid organ transplantation prior to 1991 in the UK
- Use of intravenous drugs (and equipment)
- Sharing crack pipes
- Needle stick injuries
- Mother to baby (5% risk)
- Surgical procedures outside of the UK
- Dentistry outside of the UK
- Sharing razors, clippers and toothbrushes
- Injecting performance enhancing drugs/botox
- Inhaling contaminated drugs such as cocaine
- Tattooing
- Body piercing
- Acupuncture
- Anal sex
If you are over the age of 18 and live in England, you can now order a free and confidential home test for hepatitis C via the NHS. This is an at-home, self-sample test taking a few drops of blood from your finger. If found positive for hepatitis C, you can be treated and cured.
Order your free and confidential home testing kit here: (opens in a new tab)
Don’t delay get tested today!
