UK Health Security Agency has launched genomic surveillance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a bid to monitor drug resistance, tackle harder to treat viral strains, and detect outbreaks sooner. The technology will allow a better understanding of treatment outcomes to inform national treatment programmes as well as transmission patterns to stop ongoing transmissions in populations at risk of hepatitis C.
New data published today by UKHSA shows a major drop in chronic HCV infections across England. The number of people aged over 16 with chronic HCV has fallen by 56.7% since 2015, from 129,400 to 55,900 in 2023.
SWF Health & Social Care Group 