An estimated 12,000 to 14,000 people in Wales are chronically infected with hepatitis C, the majority of whom are unaware of their infection.
The risk of catching hepatitis B and C increases if people partake in high-risk behaviours, such as injecting drugs or having unprotected sex.
Now Health Minister Edwina Hart has approved a plan to tackle blood borne hepatitis developed by Public Health Wales.
A total of £1.37 million of Welsh Assembly Government funding has been allocated to deliver the plan.
The plan aims to identify people at risk of blood borne viral hepatitis and prevent further transmission of the virus and, to improve care for people living with hepatitis B and C.
These viruses spread from person to person predominately by contact with infected blood and mainly affect the liver.
The infections can cause serious diseases and even death, but can be prevented and are treatable.
The plan provides a clear timeframe for the planning and provision of key services in Wales that will:
Reduce the transmission of blood borne hepatitis infection in Wales;
Reduce the pool of undiagnosed infection;
Improve the provision of treatment and support to infected individuals; and,
Monitor and evaluate treatment and prevention programmes.
Dr Marion Lyons, Head of the Public Health Wales Blood Borne Virus Programme, said: “Transmission of blood borne viruses can be prevented but is common amongst 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 new action plan sets out how we can make a real difference in Wales, by reducing the transmission of hepatitis infection, reducing the pool of undiagnosed infection and improving the treatment and support available to those who are infected.”
Mrs Hart said: “Hepatitis has major health implications for the individual and, if undiagnosed, for others.
“The challenge is to reduce ongoing transmission and reduce the prevalence of hepatitis which is compounded by issues of social exclusion and marginalisation amongst some of the groups at highest risk of infection in 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.”
The blood-borne viral hepatitis action plan is available on the Welsh Assembly Government’s website here.
Source: NewsWales
