Hepatitis C 'micro-eliminated' by drugs service

A drug and alcohol service in Leeds has said it has "micro-eliminated" hepatitis C - meaning it has identified, treated and cured individuals most at risk of the virus.

Forward Leeds has worked with partners including NHS services and drug providers to tackle the blood-borne virus in the city.

The virus can, if left untreated, cause severe liver damage including cirrhosis and liver cancer - but with new treatments, it can now be cured.

Anne-Marie McMullan, who coordinated the project at Forward Leeds, said: "This achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration and community-focused care in tackling significant public health challenges."

Micro-elimination sees partners work together to ensure patients are diagnosed and receive the treatment they need quickly and easily.

One of the patients to benefit from treatment from Forward Leeds is Tommy Kearns, who had previously taken an interferon for hepatitis C, but was unable to cope with the side-effects.

"The interferon was horrible," he said.

"It was like having intense Covid, it would knock hell out of your system."

He said the alternative treatment he received in Leeds had helped save his life.

"I was addicted for 40 years to drugs and alcohol and Forward Leeds helped me get clean and sober," he said.

"When I came here, I was told there was a hepatitis C cure which wasn't interferon, so I was more than happy to try it.

"It was one tablet every day for three months and there were no side-effects whatsoever.

"I had my bloods done and there was no trace of it left.

"I'm alive, and I'm giving back."

Micro-elimination is the result of collaboration with regional healthcare providers, The Hepatitis C Trust, NHS partners including the hepatology department at St James's Hospital and the West Yorkshire Liver Care Operational Delivery Network, along with pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences.

Ms McMullan added: "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 hepatitis C."

Ian Street, leader of Leeds City Council's Adults and Health Directorate commissioning programme, said: "Achieving the goal of micro-elimination of hep C within Forward Leeds is a huge achievement that has a real impact on the health and lives of many people in Leeds.

"This is the result of many years of hard work by a dedicated and passionate workforce and is a real testament to their professionalism."

Forward Leeds said the micro-elimination of hepatitis C in Leeds not only improved health outcomes for those directly affected, but also served as a model for other cities.

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