Redcar and Cleveland drug and alcohol charity declares hepatitis C micro-elimination

• 100% of those with a history of injecting have been tested, and 90% of clients who have tested positive have started or completed treatment

• Client of the service, Paul, said: “It's well worth doing the test for the result and I know it’s going to change my life.”

• Head of service Stacey Skilton said: “Through partnership, collaboration, innovation, and sheer determination, the team have made a real impact in the lives of those we support”

Drug and alcohol charity WithYou has achieved micro-elimination of hepatitis C in its Redcar and Cleveland service, a huge step towards the Government’s target to eliminate the virus by 2030.

Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus which can cause liver cirrhosis and cancer. With few initial symptoms the infection often goes unnoticed until it’s caused significant liver damage. Globally, an estimated 58 million people live with chronic hepatitis C, with about 1.5 million new yearly infections. Early testing is vital, as quick detection and treatment reduces the likelihood of serious liver damage. More than 95% of people who are treated can be cured.

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

Paul, a client from WithYou in Redcar and Cleveland treated for hepatitis C, said:

"The test was a quick and painless finger prick and the treatment is really easy - just three tablets a day. It's well worth doing the test for the result and I know it’s going to change my life.”

Stacey Skilton, head of service delivery for WithYou in Redcar and Cleveland as part of the THRIVE partnership, said: 

“The team have shown amazing resilience over the past 12 months and beyond, demonstrating incredible commitment in our journey toward the micro-elimination of hepatitis C. Through partnership, collaboration, innovation and sheer determination, they’ve made a real impact in the lives of those we support and continue to push boundaries to create lasting change.”

Emma Lamond, director of integrated treatment at WithYou, said:

“As an organisation, we are committed to and passionate about eliminating hepatitis C. 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.

“I would like to thank the Redcar and Cleveland team and partners who have achieved micro-elimination; the impact they’ve had is extraordinary. Their hard work means our clients have a greater chance of receiving timely and appropriate treatment.”

WithYou’s Redcar and Cleveland service has worked closely with partners to achieve micro-elimination, 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 or completed treatment

Since 2019 WithYou’s work on hepatitis C has been funded by Gilead Sciences. Partners include NHS England, The Hepatitis C Trust, The North East and North Cumbria Operational Delivery Network and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (James Cook University Hospital). WithYou is also a member of the Drug and Alcohol Providers Forum working alongside our colleagues to achieve this global ambition.