19 April 2024

CNWL’s New Beginnings service in Brent is thrilled to announce they have achieved Hepatitis C micro-elimination in their local community.

This is ahead of schedule for the UK government's target of 2025 and the World Health Organisation target of 2030. 

Hep C is a blood borne virus which, left untreated, can cause liver cancer and liver failure. People who inject drugs are at the highest risk of becoming infected. 

New Beginnings is delivered by CNWL in partnership with V-I-A and the Brent Service User Council. They help people in Brent who want to break a cycle of addiction to substances such as heroin, cocaine, club drugs, other types of stimulants or long-term alcohol addiction.

This is a significant milestone in the fight against this viral infection, and the team in Brent has worked tirelessly alongside hepatology colleagues from St Mary’s, Hep C U Later and the Hep C Trust to provide testing treatment and cure to those in need.

brent hep c.jpg

As of February 2024, they reached the following targets:

  • 100% of those in treatment have been offered a Hep C test
  • 100% of people who currently inject or have previously injected have been tested for Hep C
  • 90% of individuals who currently inject or have previously injected have been tested in the last 12 months
  • 90% of people who were diagnosed with Hep C at the service have started treatment which has a cure rate of 98%.

The announcement comes after the UK Health Security Agency published its latest hepatitis C report, which revealed deaths due to the virus are at lowest levels in ten years – largely due to increased testing and improved access to treatment.

Abby Campbell, CNWL Sector Manager said:

“Congratulations to the New Beginnings team on reaching Hepatitis C micro-elimination! This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of everyone involved. Your tireless efforts have made a significant impact on improving the health and well-being of our clients who are affected by this disease. Thank you to all for your unwavering commitment to this important cause.” 

The news was also announced by the charity V-I-A. Read more here (opens webpage)