A DRUG and alcohol charity has managed to “micro eliminate” hepatitis C across its North Somerset services which it said is a huge step towards NHS England’s target to eliminate the virus by 2025.

WithYou, a charity that supports people with drugs, alcohol and mental health issues, said the breakthrough, “isn’t just about helping people in North Somerset – we’re playing our part to stamp out this virus in the UK, and the whole world.”

Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus which can cause liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Most hepatitis C infections occur through exposure to blood from unsafe injection practices, unsafe health care, unscreened blood transfusions and some sexual practices, but the virus can also be shared through tattoos, sharing razors and even toothbrushes

100% of those with a history of injecting have been tested at the charity, and 95% of clients who have tested positive have started or completed treatment.

Rickie Bartlett, WithYou’s clinical lead in North Somerset, said many of the clients were hesitant to get tested.

“We spoke to them all and explained how important micro-elimination is,” she said.

“This isn’t just about helping people in North Somerset – we’re playing our part to stamp out this virus in the UK, and the whole world.

“This milestone is just the beginning. We have proven what is possible when we come together with a common goal. Our next step is full elimination.”

One of WithYou North Somerset’s healthcare assistants, Hannah Ritchie, was appointed as the charity’s hep C Champion.

A WithYou spokesperson said: “Ms Ritchie spearheaded the work – boosting the confidence of staff, and supporting clients.

“For those who test positive, she helps them through the whole process – ensuring they get the right treatment and checking in on how they’re progressing.”

Gill Flanagan, WithYou’s head of service delivery in North Somerset, said: “If left untreated hepatitis C can cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage. But we’ve made so much progress in recent years, and now 90% of people who are treated can be cured.

“It’s really important for us to do what works to help our clients. It’s been a whole team effort from testing new clients straightaway, testing people when they’re visiting, setting up stalls at the hospital, and going to meet people in their own homes.”

Emma Lamond, director of integrated treatment at WithYou, said: “As an organisation, we are committed to — and passionate about — eliminating hepatitis C and supporting NHS England and partners to achieve and sustain our shared ambition.

“We recognise that clients may not always disclose their past injecting history or other risk factors; that’s why we want to challenge the stigma that surrounds hepatitis.

“Through these interventions, we have an opportunity to bust those myths, raise awareness, and empower people to stay safe and make informed decisions.”

Micro-elimination is defined as:

• 100% of clients in structured treatment are offered a hepatitis C test
• 100% of those with a history of injecting have been tested
• 90% of current and previous injectors (at risk) have a hepatitis C test date within the last 12 months
• 90% of clients who’ve tested positive for hepatitis have commenced treatment