This month, we’ll be marking World Hepatitis Day, a global condition that is often overlooked. As an agency that has worked on hepatitis campaigns, it’s worth considering what’s working at a policy level, particularly to eradicate Hepatitis C, and whether the prevalence of the condition can be overcome through innovative medicines?

Prevalence and Demographics

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) affects approximately 58 million people globally, with around 1.5 million new infections occurring each year and is responsible for around 290,000 deaths annually. The prevalence of HCV varies significantly, with the highest rates observed in Central and East Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. Western Europe and North America have lower prevalence rates but still face substantial public health challenges due to the disease. HCV infection is largely transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, with drug users and prisoners particularly at risk.

New opportunities

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious targets to eliminate HCV as a public health threat by 2030, aiming to reduce new infections by 90% and mortality by 65%. The UK has set an ambition to eliminate HCV by 2030.

There are certainly grounds for hope that these targets can be met. New medicines (notably direct-acting antivirals) are having a big impact on our ability to treat patients. Increased availability globally will be fundamental to success of the WHO programme. Yet it is estimated that only 11 countries are on track, so what’s holding things back?

Finding patients

There are a range of issues affecting progress of countering Hepatitis C infections. One is diagnosis. In many cases patients may be unaware that they are infected and may be suffering from various conditions, making identifying those with hepatitis much harder. Moreover, many of those with hep C lead complicated lives, that can make regular treatment difficult. Working with charities in the prison population is therefore often invaluable to help locate and engage with infected patients.

Raising awareness

Media campaigns have been instrumental in raising awareness and engaging policymakers about Hepatitis C. For example, the “Hep C U Later” campaign in the UK utilized social media, traditional media, and public events to highlight the importance of HCV elimination.  But such campaigns still lack the finances and cut-through of well-resourced sectors, such as those fighting heart disease and cancer.

Advocacy and Policy Briefs

Advocacy groups, often in coalition with pharma companies, have developed round tables and comprehensive policy reports to inform and persuade government officials. The Hepatitis C Trust in the UK has been particularly effective advocates for policy changes. Yet early success at securing commitments from the UK and devolved governments have still yet to fully bear fruit with significant progress still to be secured.

The global fight against Hepatitis C has made significant strides, thanks to the advent of innovative medicine. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to these treatments and reaching hard to reach populations. While government targets are helpful, without meaningful finances and the roll-out of diagnostics, there is a risk that HCV remains a fringe issue with limited understanding by the general public. Only through sustained campaigning and engagement with governments and the continuation of global leadership on this issue will offer any hope of the ambitions of eradication by 2030 being secured.

To find out how Grayling could support your health campaign, contact ross.laird@grayling.com, or visit our website to read more about our healthcare work.