The NHS is on track to eliminate Hepatitis C in England by 2025 thanks to a pioneering drug deal and campaign to find and help people at risk, health chiefs have said. NHS England said the measures are helping to dramatically cut deaths five years ahead of global targets.
It comes after a five-year contract worth almost £1 billion to buy antiviral drugs for patients has seen deaths from Hepatitis C – including liver disease and cancer – fall by 35%. The World Health Organisation had set a target of 10%.
Dedicated “Find And Treat” programmes have also helped the NHS drive down Hepatitis C cases among vulnerable communities such as the homeless. They may suffer worse outcomes than the general population as they are do not have regular contact with health services.
