England on track to eliminate hepatitis C before 2030

England could become one of the first countries in the world to achieve the goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health threat. The country has already treated more than 80% of known cases, crossing one of the key thresholds set under the international strategy against this viral liver infection.

Since 2015, more than 100,000 people have been diagnosed and treated in England. Antiviral treatments, taken in tablet form for eight to twelve weeks, cure more than 95% of patients. Deaths from hepatitis C have also decreased by 36% in ten years.

More than 50,000 people still carrying the virus

Around 50,200 adults were still living with hepatitis C in England in 2024. Health authorities estimate that 84,6% of them have been diagnosed, a level close to the 90% target. The country still needs to achieve a 65% reduction in mortality compared to 2015 to meet all the expected criteria by 2030.

Screening has been stepped up in emergency departments, during GP appointments, and through free kits that can be ordered for home delivery. The NHS is prioritizing people who have shared injection equipment, received certain medical treatments in the past in countries with less stringent hygiene standards, or been exposed to contaminated blood products.

A long-silent infection

Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood. It can remain asymptomatic for several years, even as the virus progressively damages the liver. Without treatment, it can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer.

The implementation of this system also comes in the wake of the trauma caused by the British contaminated blood scandal. Between 1970 and 1991, more than 30,000 people in the United Kingdom were infected with HIV or hepatitis C after receiving contaminated blood or blood products. Approximately 3,000 victims have died since then. The NHS now hopes to meet international targets before the 2030 deadline.