"Making Hep C history in Portsmouth": virus has been eliminated among high-risk group
Portsmouth’s adult drug and alcohol treatment service declared its elimination of the virus
Portsmouth has declared that Hepatitis C has been eliminated among patients of the adult drug and alcohol treatment service, signalling a huge milestone in the city’s efforts to tackle the virus.
More than 650 tests for the virus have been completed amongst users of the service, and around 25 people were diagnosed with active Hepatitis C.
However, the virus can now usually be cured with a short course of tablets when identified early, and all but three people diagnosed have already started treatment.
Since the target of 90% of active Hepatitis C patients in treatment was hit, Portsmouth’s adult drug and alcohol treatment service declared its elimination of the virus on 16 July 2026.
“Making Hep C history in Portsmouth is about far more than reaching a milestone. It is about saving and improving lives,” said Nicky Wilsenham, Executive Director of Operations at The Society of St James.
Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that affects the liver and often causes no symptoms until significant damage has occurred.
"This is a fantastic achievement for Portsmouth and I would like to congratulate the staff, volunteers and partner organisations whose dedication have made it possible,” said Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care at Portsmouth City Council.
Over the past year, organisations including The Society of St James, Hep C U Later, The Hepatitis C Trust, Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust have worked together to increase testing and improve access to treatment.
Louise Hansford, Hepatitis C Elimination Coordinator, said that this achievement “has taken determination, collaboration and an unwavering commitment from every partner involved.”
Despite the achievement, efforts are still ongoing to fight the virus in the rest of the city.
"A continued focus on early testing, treatment and support will help reduce preventable illness and deaths,” said Cllr Winnington.