More than 100,000 people have now been home tested for hepatitis C using the NHS's home testing service.
105,998 people have ordered an at-home NHS hepatitis C test, since the portal launched in May 2023
After testing positive through the scheme, around 225 people have been treated.
The at-home service is part of an NHS commitment to drive down health inequalities. 70 per cent of all positive cases have come from the most deprived half of the population.
The self-testing kit involves a finger prick, with a tiny blood sample dropped into a test tube and posted to a lab for analysis.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said: “Reaching this milestone shows the NHS is firmly on track to eliminate hepatitis C in England ahead of the global target, saving more lives from preventable liver disease.
“As part of our commitment to the 10 Year Health Plan, we want to make it easier for people to access care before hidden viruses like hepatitis C cause people serious harm.
“The home testing service is available to everyone, and through targeted outreach to people at higher risk we are helping thousands avoid serious illness and reducing health inequalities in the process.
“If you or someone you know might be at risk, order a free and confidential test today via the NHS hepatitis C testing website – it could save your life.”
Sema Mandal, Deputy Director, Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STIs and HIV at UK Health Security Agency, said: “Our data shows that the number of people with hepatitis C in England is continuing to fall, thanks to more people getting tested and taking treatment that clears the virus. I’m delighted to hear that 100,000 of the free self-testing kits have already been ordered via NHS online and this should further help us defeat this disease.
“Hepatitis C elimination is in reach if we can accelerate testing, support people to get treatment, reduce the stigma experienced by people living with hepatitis C and prevent people getting the infection in the first place – particularly those who inject drugs.
“Hepatitis C can go unnoticed for years because it often has no symptoms, so getting tested is the only way to know for sure. Early diagnosis means you can start treatment sooner and avoid serious liver damage.
“If you’ve ever injected drugs, even just once a long time ago, it’s important to get tested. You should also get tested if you’ve had medical treatment abroad and are unsure if the equipment was sterilised.”
