Hepatitis C Cases Continue to Decrease in England
In April, the Government published its latest set of data on hepatitis C in England. Whilst there is still a lot of work to be done, this release demonstrates that we are on track to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030.
The figures, which run up to the end of 2024, show that the number of chronic hepatitis C cases continued to decrease, with the total now estimated to be 50,200 – a fall of 61.1% from 2015.
The National Harm Reduction Summit, Taking Place Soon!
In September, we’re hosting the two-day National Harm Reduction Summit alongside Bristol Drugs Project.
Marking 40 years of BDP’s outstanding harm reduction work, this event will bring together practitioners, peers, researchers, policy shapers, and community organisations committed to improving the health, rights, and wellbeing of people who use drugs.
Utilising a public health approach, we will explore innovative and evidence‑based models, current political and policy considerations, and how we can shape the future of harm reduction approaches and treatment delivery across the UK.
Infected Blood Memorial and News on Compensation
On 19 May, there was a national memorial service for the victims of the infected blood scandal at St Paul’s Cathedral. Our staff attended, and joined members of the community in reflecting on the scandal and the impact it has had on so many people.
We used the important day as an opportunity to show our frustration that two years on from the publication of the Infected Blood Inquiry report, only a fraction of those entitled to compensation have received a payout.
Towards the end of last year, the Government opened a public consultation on changes to the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme, following recommendations from the Inquiry as to how they could make elements of the Scheme fairer.
We wrote to Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, to raise our concerns on several particular issues, including on compensation for those subjected to unethical research and compensation for estates. We also met with him at our offices, and used this opportunity to highlight the points we made in our consultation response.
In April, the Government published their response to the consultation. Their plans are very similar to what was proposed as part of their consultation. These were felt by many to be insufficient in addressing the issues with the Scheme.
The Government is now working to bring what may be the final piece of legislation on compensation through Parliament. We have been working hard to meet and brief MPs to help them push for further changes to the Scheme.
Now Andy Burnham has become MP for Makerfield, we are also working hard to engage him, given he has supported the infected blood community for many years. We are asking him to help finish the fight for justice, and need your help.
We are making a book of handwritten letters from people affected by the infected blood scandal to give to Andy. We will send this book to him to ask him to help us right the many wrongs in the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme and to finally deliver justice for those infected and affected.
Eastern Region Prison and Community Team Receive Prestigious Award
In February, we attended Career Matters’ Lived Experience Charter Awards 2026 in Birmingham and were delighted to see our Eastern Region Prison and Community Team receive the highest award – gold!
The Lived Experience Charter is an award that providers of NHS England services, social care and public sector services can apply to complete and receive. Having Lived Experience Charter ‘status’ demonstrates that organisations have quality standards, good practices and a commitment to improving the inclusive recruitment and retention practices of people with lived experience.
Have You Read Our Annual Report?
At the beginning of the year, we published our Annual Report and Accounts for 2024/2025. This financial year proved to be one of significant progress, deep reflection, and continued commitment to eliminating hepatitis C. We made major developments in our prevention, peer-led services and liver health programmes, and this period also saw the Infected Blood Inquiry publish its Report – a landmark moment in UK public health history.