Forward Leeds, the city’s alcohol and drug support service, announces a significant step towards the national goal of eliminating hepatitis C.
The service has achieved micro-elimination of Hepatitis C (HCV) within key populations in Leeds – a groundbreaking achievement in public health.
Forward Leeds Area Manager Anne-Marie McMullan, who coordinated the project within the service, said: “We are thrilled to have reached this critical milestone in our mission to improve health outcomes for people in Leeds. This achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration and community-focused care in tackling significant public health challenges.
“As one of the largest services in the country this is an incredible achievement by our staff and key partners. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to support those at risk and help the wider community benefit from the elimination of HCV.
Micro-elimination is a new way of tackling hepatitis C in local areas. It uses a series of targets to make sure that people are being diagnosed and getting the treatment they need quickly and easily. Through Forward Leeds’ targeted interventions, robust partnerships, and community outreach, the service has successfully identified, treated, and cured individuals most at risk of the virus.
Chief Officer/Consultant in Public Health at Leeds City Council Pippa Bird said: “It is fantastic news that our commissioned drug and alcohol service, Forward Leeds, have achieved micro elimination of Hepatitis C. This is a huge achievement for the service and a significant milestone, and will have a positive impact for many individuals and communities in the city. Leeds became a ‘Fast-Track City’ in 2023, with an ambition of Zero new cases of HIV, Zero HIV related Deaths & Zero stigma by 2030.”
Micro-elimination is the result of collaboration with regional healthcare providers, The Hepatitis C Trust, NHS partners at St James Hospital’s Hepatology Department, and pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences. Together, they ensured the availability of resources, funding, and expertise needed to eliminate HCV in these populations.
Tommy Kearns who was treated through the service said: “This treatment has been life-changing. I never thought I’d be free from Hep C, but thanks to the support of Forward Leeds, I’m cured. The treatment was easy, side-effect and judgment-free, and it has given me a second chance at a healthier life”.
The micro-elimination of Hepatitis C in Leeds not only improves health outcomes for those directly affected but also serves as a model for other regions aiming to achieve similar success. Forward Leeds remains committed to continuing its efforts to support those at risk and help the wider community benefit from the elimination of HCV.
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that, if left untreated, can cause severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. However, with the advent of new treatments, the virus can now be cured in most cases, making its elimination a realistic and achievable goal.