Press Association A plan to identify undiagnosed hepatitis B and C sufferers and improve care for people living with the infection has been announced by the Welsh Assembly.
An estimated 12,000 to 14,000 people in Wales are chronically infected with hepatitis C, but the majority are unaware of their condition.
Hepatitis B and C, which usually affect the liver, are capable of causing serious diseases and even death but they can be prevented and treated.
The viruses are spread from person to person by contact with infected blood, for example through intravenous drug use and unprotected sex.
Health Minister Edwina Hart said: "The development of this plan is a long-term investment in improving the health of the people of Wales. By early diagnosis and intervention as well as greater awareness, we will hopefully see a reduction in hepatitis in Wales over the coming years."
Dr Marion Lyons, head of the National Public Health Service for Wales blood borne virus programme, added: "Transmission of blood borne viruses can be prevented but is common among high-risk groups in Wales.
"If prevention measures are not implemented, the number of people infected by hepatitis B and C will rise and this adds to the disease burden in Wales."
The plan, which is out for consultation until July 22, sets a timeframe for the provision of services that will address the transmission rate and treatment available, and reduce the number of people whose blood borne hepatitis is undiagnosed.
The Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Tony Jewell, said: "Hepatitis has major health implications for the individual and, if undiagnosed, problems for others.
"That is why key to this action plan is the need to raise people's awareness of the dangers of high-risk behaviour such as substance misuse and using shared needles or syringes."
