ELIMINATION STRATEGY FOR TACKLING HEPATITIS C

That this House recognises hepatitis C is a leading cause of premature death from liver disease; acknowledges that the condition is curable in most cases; understands that there are inequalities in access to treatment and diagnosis for people in disadvantaged groups; notes that recent data has revealed that the UK is falling behind targets to meet its commitment to eliminating hepatitis C as a public health concern by 2030; further notes that the reduction in price of new HCV oral therapies puts the NHS in a position to work innovatively with industry to look at how it can find and treat more patients and faster; notes a recent article in the Lancet which states that domestic funding is unlikely to be able to deliver the results in the 13 years that remain till 2030; and calls on the NHS to bring forward the publication of an elimination strategy for the UK, which includes innovative, long-term activities with industry, stakeholders and community-based organisations across the health sector.