Charity 'micro-eliminates' hep C after testing hundreds

It is estimated around 118,000 people in the UK had chronic hepatitis C in 2019

A drug and alcohol charity has "micro-eliminated" hepatitis C after carrying out hundreds of tests.

WithYou's bosses hailed the milestone as an important "step towards NHS England’s target to eliminate the virus by next year".

WithYou's clinical lead Rickie Bartlett said the success is "a direct result of relentless efforts".

According to the NHS, hep C is a virus that can infect the liver and if left untreated can cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage.

It is estimated about 118,000 people in the UK had chronic hep C in 2019. You can become infected with it if you come into contact with the blood of an infected person.

WithYou supports more than 100,000 people annually across the UK who have alcohol, drug and mental health issues.

'Just the beginning'

Ms Bartlett said some of the charity's clients were initially "hesitant" to undergo testing.

“Every successful treatment, every person who is now free from hepatitis C is a direct result of the relentless efforts and hard work of our staff.

“This milestone is just the beginning. Our next step is full elimination," he said.

Director of integrated treatment at WithYou Emma Lamond said her team wants to "challenge the stigma that surrounds hepatitis".

“There is of course still work to be done — we must continue our comprehensive testing programme to sustain micro-elimination status," she added.

Working with Gilead Sciences and Bristol and Severn Operational Delivery Network, WithYou has been raising awareness of the importance of testing and treatment.