England poised to wipe out hepatitis C, new data suggests

Fresh figures indicate that England is moving closer

Fresh figures indicate that England is moving closer to becoming a global pioneer in eradicating hepatitis C, a potentially deadly infection that targets the liver. The latest statistics reveal a significant decline in new cases and deaths, putting the country firmly on course to meet the World Health Organization's elimination targets ahead of schedule.

Health officials attribute the progress to a combination of widespread testing, improved access to antiviral medications, and targeted outreach programs for high-risk groups, including people who inject drugs and those in prison. Since the introduction of highly effective curative treatments in 2015, the number of people living with the virus has fallen sharply.

According to the data, annual deaths from hepatitis C-related liver disease have dropped by nearly a third over the past five years, while new infections have decreased by more than 40% in the same period. Experts say this momentum could lead to the virus being declared eliminated—defined as a 90% reduction in new infections and a 65% drop in deaths—within the next few years.

However, challenges remain, particularly in reaching und…

However, challenges remain, particularly in reaching undiagnosed individuals and ensuring continued funding for harm-reduction services. Public health leaders stress that sustained effort and investment are essential to avoid a resurgence of the disease.

If current trends hold, England would join a small handful of countries, such as Egypt and Japan, in achieving this public health milestone. The announcement has been welcomed by patient advocacy groups, who describe it as a testament to what can be achieved through coordinated national action.