England Treats 100,000 for Hepatitis C, Nears Elimination Goal

England has treated more than 100,000 people for hepatitis C in the last decade, a milestone that places the country on track to become one of the first in the world to eliminate the virus, according to NHS England figures released on August 11, 2026. The achievement means England has already surpassed the World Health Organization benchmark of treating 80% of all known cases, with deaths from the virus reduced by 36% over the past ten years.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne viral infection that can cause serious liver damage, including cirrhosis and cancer, often without symptoms for years. The progress is attributed to a sustained national program since 2015, combining expanded testing with widespread access to curative antiviral tablets. A course of treatment lasts 8 to 12 weeks and cures more than 95% of cases.

Professor Frankie Swords, NHS national medical director, stated that England is "leading the world in the mission to eliminate this disease" and is on course to beat the WHO's 2030 target. He emphasized the importance of finding hidden cases, noting that many people live with the virus without knowing it. The NHS has urged those at greater risk, including people who have...