England is making substantial strides toward its hepatitis C elimination targets, according to a recent government report tracking progress against World Health Organisation (WHO) benchmarks. The data indicates a significant reduction in chronic infections and improved treatment coverage.
Chronic hepatitis C prevalence has fallen by 61.1% since 2015, with an estimated 50,200 adults living with the infection in 2024. This decline is attributed to expanded testing and the successful use of direct-acting antiviral therapies, which offer a cure for many.
Despite this progress, gaps persist. Only 84.6% of people living with hepatitis C have been diagnosed, falling short of the WHO's 90% target. Late diagnoses remain a concern, with some patients presenting with advanced liver disease.
Harm reduction services are critical, yet approximately one-third of individuals who inject drugs report inadequate access to sterile needles and syringes. Reinfection rates are also notable, particularly among those recently treated or with a history of imprisonment.
Targeted testing initiatives have improved reach, but the highest diagnostic yields are still found in drug services, prisons, and community outreach. Stigma continues to be a barrier to testing and treatment uptake. Hepatitis C-related mortality in England remains low, below the WHO threshold, signaling strong progress but underscoring the need for sustained efforts in prevention, diagnosis, and equitable access to care.