VCCP launch new Hepatitis C awareness campaign

27th January 2009

Around a third of people don't know how hepatitis C can be passed from person to person, according to new research commissioned by the Department of Health published today.

The findings come as a major hepatitis C awareness campaign is launched to reach out to the estimated 100,000 people in England who are unaware they have the infection and stop others getting it.

Radio and press advertising will remind the public of life experiences that could have exposed them to infection such as injecting drugs or getting tattoos where equipment may not have been sterile. The campaign coincides with the 20th anniversary of the virus being identified.

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that can cause chronic infection and lead to serious liver damage and even premature death.

Charles Gore, Chief Executive of the Hepatitis C Trust said:

"Twenty years down the line, it's worrying to see the public still believe so many myths around hepatitis C. Education is absolutely essential to eradicating this problem. We are pleased to see the Department of Health campaigning on this issue, but it's now time for both the public and health professionals to take action. We'd urge anyone who feels they might be at risk to get tested, and health professionals to be vigilant to diagnosing patients."