AI Insight
The UK is on track to become the first country to meet the WHO's goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030, with 84.6% of people living with HCV already diagnosed as of April 2026. Prevalence among people who inject drugs has dropped to 5.2% in 2024, with an estimated incidence of 4.4 infections per 100 person-years that is projected to fall below the WHO target of 2 infections per 100 person-years by 2030.
Why it matters
This demonstrates that national HCV elimination is achievable through coordinated public health efforts, particularly when targeting high-risk populations such as people who inject drugs. The UK's success could serve as a model for other countries working toward HCV elimination.
Understand the Science
The UK (chiefly driven by England and Scotland) is expected to be the first country to meet WHO’s goal for the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030. In April, 2026, the UK Health Security Agency’s analysis of progress by the National Health Service (NHS) towards elimination showed that 84·6% of people living with HCV had been diagnosed and prevalence in people who inject drugs had fallen to 5·2% in 2024, with an estimated incidence of 4·4 infections per 100 person-years, predicted to fall below WHO’s target of two infections per 100 patient-years by 2030.
Source: [Comment] Hepatitis C—is discrimination preventing elimination?