WithYou in Wigan and Leigh declares micro-elimination of hepatitis C, ahead of NHS target

WithYou’s services in Wigan and Leigh have achieved micro-elimination of hepatitis C; 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. 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. Globally, an estimated 58 million people live with chronic hepatitis C, with about 1.5 million new yearly infections.

The charity has been actively raising awareness of the importance of testing and treatment, which includes taking testing right to people’s doorsteps.

Sarah Humphreys, Head of Service Delivery at WithYou in Wigan and Leigh, says:

“We are incredibly proud that Wigan and Leigh have achieved micro-elimination of hepatitis C within our drug and alcohol support services. This is a fantastic achievement that reflects the dedication of our team and commitment of those we support in engaging with testing and treatment. 

“The combined efforts of our teams and partners will help our clients live healthier, happier lives free from hepatitis C.”

Nicola, a client supported by WithYou in Wigan and Leigh, says:

"My life is a lot better now. I’m in my own place, I can go buy milk, buy bread, I can go for a shower, the dog goes for a walk - I’ve got more normalcy in my life."

"It’s just a simple finger prick test and 12 weeks treatment, which is nothing; it’s the best thing I ever did. If I save even one person’s life through sharing my story, that’s fine with me.”

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 completed or commenced treatment

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of Wigan Council and portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said:

“Congratulations to everyone at WithYou on achieving micro-elimination of hepatitis C.

“This success shows the power of partnership and the value of focusing on early testing, treatment and prevention to both improve lives now and reduce future risk. It’s a brilliant example of proactive public health work, so well done to all involved!

“We’re pleased this important work will continue to receive funding alongside the new national HIV Action Plan for England 2025-2030, and we look forward to carrying on working together with all our partners across the healthcare system to improve health outcomes, tackle stigma and prevent new infections.”

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.

Across the world, around 58 million people live with chronic hepatitis C, and there are around 1.5 million new infections each year. The Government has committed to eliminating hepatitis C before 2030, and through achieving micro-elimination, the service has played a key part in helping the whole country to achieve this target.

Since 2019 WithYou’s work on hepatitis C has been funded by Gilead Sciences. Partners include NHS England, The Hepatitis C Trust, The Operational Delivery Networks, the Treating Hospitals and the Drug and Alcohol Providers Forum: Change Grow Live, Waythrough, Hep C U Later, Via and Turning Point. 

WithYou signed up to the World Health Organisation’s Global Health Sector Strategy for Viral Hepatitis to eliminate hepatitis C as a major health threat by 2030.