Facing up to Hepatitis C, new public health campaign, UK

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 08 Dec 2004 - 11:00 PDT


A new public health campaign about Hepatitis C, was launched today by Sir Liam Donaldson, Chief Medical Officer for England.

The £2 million pound, "FaCe It", campaign will be spread over two years and will increase awareness of hepatitis C, explain how the virus is spread, and give advice on how to avoid infection. It will also encourage those who may be, or have been, at risk of contracting the virus to find out more about getting tested.

From today, there will be new hepatitis C telephone information line 0800 451451 which will give confidential, personal and sensitive one-to-one advice and information, alongside a poster and leaflet campaign and the NHS hepatitis C awareness website - http://www.hepc.nhs.uk.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that can damage the liver. It is usually spread by direct blood to blood contact with an infected person. As many as four in ten people are able to clear their infections naturally, within six months. For the remainder, hepatitis C is a chronic infection that can span several decades and lead to serious liver disease.

Sir Liam said:

"Hepatitis C has emerged as an significant public health challenge over recent years, which is why we need to intensify efforts to prevent new cases and to diagnose and treat those who are already infected.

"In England it is estimated that there are approximately 200,000 people chronically infected and the majority of these are unaware of their infection.

"That is why this new 'FaCe It' campaign is so essential. It will be key in to raising awareness about the virus and reducing the number of people who are infected in the future."

Hepatitis C is usually spread by the transfer of blood from person to person, for example through the sharing of needles or syringes. Others at risk include those who had a blood transfusion before screening for Hep C was introduced in 1991. It can also be spread, less commonly, through unprotected sex, tattoos and body piercing.

Many people have no symptoms, while others may feel tired and have mild abdominal discomfort. Patients respond to treatment in about 55 percent cases, which is why it is so important for people who may have been at risk to get tested.

A professional awareness campaign with an information pack being sent out to primary care professionals has been running since the Summer. This provides health professionals with essential facts about hepatitis C and assists them in offering advice about hepatitis C and and testing to patients who may have been at risk of infection.

Related links
http://www.hepc.nhs.uk
Annual reports

Notes to editor
1. The Hepatitis C Action Plan for England is available on the DH website at: the link provided:
2. The NHS hepatitis C awareness website is also avilable in the link above.
3. The Hepatitis C information line 0800 451451 (textphone 0800 0850859) is open from 10am-10pm, 7 days a week.
Members of the public should contact the DH Customer Service Centre on 0207 210 4850. For media enquiries ONLY, please contact Alison Langley, on the number provided:
Phone
Department of Health Public Enquiries
0207 210 4850
Alison Langley
020 7210 5649

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