Gwent NHS and partners unite to support high-risk populations from Hepatitis B&C

Sunday 28th July 2024

Today is World Hepatitis Day, and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s Michael Allum, Consultant in Public Health, has discussed their ongoing commitment to the World Health Organization and to Welsh Government, working together across Gwent to eliminate Hepatitis B&C as a public health threat by 2030.

“Hepatitis B and C can affect anyone, with certain populations at a greater risk. These can include people in the prison and probation services, homeless people, and people from countries of high prevalence of Hepatitis B and C, such as South Asian and sub-Saharan African communities.

In the last year with our hepatology teams, and working with a number of partners including the Probation and Prison Service, Muslim Doctors Cymru and Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service we have screened over 1500 people at greater risk for Hepatitis B and C, including at various community events. This is part of our efforts working together across Gwent to eliminate Hepatitis B and C as a public health threat by 2030. Events we have attended have been very well received, and have built trust and connection with people across our communities in Gwent.

There is effective treatment for both Hepatitis B & C, the test for Hepatitis is a simple pin prick blood test which you can access in a number of ways including some community pharmacy, GPs and Sexual Health Services. You can find more information via our website. Our Hepatology team then work to ensure people get their results and get what they need in terms of ongoing treatment or support.

As a Health Board we will continue to support and protect those in need to help us build strong and resilient communities across Gwent.

Gavin, Clinical Nurse Specialist in ABUHB Hepatology for the last 13 years, said

“In the last ten years I have seen huge developments in the treatment of Hepatitis C.  We now have highly effective tablet only treatment that are for just 8-12 weeks and are well tolerated. The treatment results in a cure in the vast majority of patients. We now have access to rapid Hepatitis C diagnosis in our Substance Misuse Services with results in around an hour.

Hepatitis B can be treated to control the virus and stop the development of liver disease. There are likely to be new treatments available in the future and research in this area is ongoing.

Get Tested. Get Treated”

Head to our website to find out more about how you can get tested: Blood borne virus (BBV) tests - Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (nhs.wales)