New analysis of data by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests that the estimated prevalence of hepatitis B is 268,000, 30% higher than the previous estimate of 206,000. The British Liver Trust is calling for urgent action to address this silent condition. Despite being critical risk factors for advanced liver disease and liver cancer, awareness of viral hepatitis remains alarmingly low. An omnibus survey of 2015 members of the public, conducted by the charity this month, revealed that only 2% of people named hepatitis as a risk factor for liver disease.
A large proportion of people living with hepatitis B are likely to be unaware of their infection due to the lack of symptoms in the early stages. Hepatitis B can lead to liver scarring, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Without early detection, the damage becomes irreversible, severely limiting treatment options.
The report also reveals that there was more than a six-fold increase in new hepatitis B diagnoses between 1999 and 2016. While diagnoses of new cases decreased between 2019-21, they’ve since increased again and returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The Government’s recent pilot of opt out testing of blood borne viruses in emergency departments led to 646 people being diagnosed with hepatitis B in the first year and there are now plans to expand the testing programme to 47 new sites.
Pamela Healy, Chief Executive Officer at the British Liver Trust, said: “Testing people in emergency departments has demonstrated the scale of the problem that needs to be addressed. Thousands of individuals are living with undiagnosed hepatitis B, unaware of their infection. Many people who are at risk and those living with the condition avoid seeking treatment due to fear of stigma and misconceptions, especially since there are often no symptoms in the early stages. It is essential to raise awareness and provide accurate information to encourage testing and treatment. The UK has made significant progress in its drive to eliminate hepatitis C. We now need a similar focus and level of investment on hepatitis B.”
Most people with hepatitis B in the UK are born in countries where the virus is more common, often acquiring it at birth or during childhood. Additionally, the virus can be contracted through unprotected sex or the use of unsterilised equipment for tattoos and piercings.
Hepatitis C is most commonly spread in the UK by sharing needles contaminated with the virus, but even sharing razors or toothbrushes with someone with the infection could pass it on.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C usually have no symptoms in the early stages, so it is vital to get tested if you have ever been exposed. To find out if you are at risk, take the British Liver Trust’s simple online quiz.”.
Living with viral hepatitis often subjects individuals to daily stigma. False beliefs persist among both those with and without the viruses.
Dr Ahmed Elsharkawy, consultant hepatologist at University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust commented: “The lack of awareness and the stigma surrounding hepatitis B and C are significant barriers to treatment. We need to create an environment where people feel safe to come forward for testing and treatment. Education is key to dispelling myths and reducing the stigma associated with these infections.”
Increased testing and curative treatments in the UK have set the nation on track to achieve the World Health Organization’s 2030 elimination goal for hepatitis C. The Hepatitis C in England report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), released earlier this year, revealed that deaths from hepatitis C are at their lowest level in 10 years. However, the majority of people living with hepatitis B in the UK remain undiagnosed. The recent UKHSA Hepatitis B in England report calls for an expansion of testing programs to address this issue.
To effectively tackle hepatitis B, it is essential to listen to and address the needs of those living with the infection. Many individuals living with hepatitis B in the UK are from marginalised and underserved communities and frequently lack opportunities to express their needs and preferences regarding their care.
The British Liver Trust calls for a concerted effort to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure early detection and treatment of hepatitis B and C. By doing so, we can prevent further transmission, improve health outcomes, and move closer to the World Health Organization’s goal to eliminate both viruses as public health problems in the UK by 2030.