Today sees the publication of the final report of the Hepatitis C Elimination Maintenance Strategy Group, coordinated by HCV Action.
SUSTAINING SUCCESS: Principles to achieve and maintain hepatitis C elimination in England reflects on the near elimination of the hepatitis C virus as a public health concern – one of the most impressive achievements of the health service in this decade. Whilst concerted action is still needed to reach elimination, this report looks ahead to what will be required to maintain this status, and focuses on five key areas:
- Collaborative leadership, oversight and accountability
- Preventing transmission
- Early detection through testing
- Accessible treatment and care
- Robust data and surveillance
‘We are on the cusp of a historic achievement. More than £1 billion has been invested in the programme, collaborations have been forged, innovative delivery models have been developed, and thousands of lives have been saved, with many thousands more being transformed for the better. Now we need to ensure we’re prepared to sustain the achievement for the long term.’ Rachel Halford, CEO, The Hepatitis C Trust and Dr Kosh Agarwal, Chair, The Hepatitis C Elimination Maintenance Strategy Group