This World Hepatitis Day get a free test for hepatitis C

Mission Zero is committed to ending new iral hepatitis (alongside HIV and TB)transmissions, stopping preventable deaths and eliminating associated discrimination and stigma in Calderdale by 2030. The NHS is also committed to eliminating hepatitis C as a major public health issue in England. But despite great progress there are thousands of people living with the virus without knowing about it.

This World Hepatitis Day (Sunday 28 July), we all have a part to play. We must make people aware of the ways to acquire hepatitis C and the need to get a test if you are at risk.

There are many ways you can get hepatitis C. This includes:

• Snorting or injecting recreational drugs
• Having a tattoo or piercing in another country
• Injecting steroids
• Sharing razors or toothbrushes
• From a pregnant woman to her unborn baby
• If you received a blood transfusion or blood products before 1996
• Through unprotected sex, although this risk is low

To reach the goal of eliminating hepatitis C we need to get more people testing. If you are over the age of 18 and live in England, you can order a free and confidential home test for hepatitis C via the NHS. This is an at-home, self-sample test taking a few drops of blood from your finger. If found positive for hepatitis C, you can be treated and cured.

This World Hepatitis Day get tested for hepatitis C at hepctest.nhs.uk/ref/whd24

Testing is also taking place across Calderdale as part of Mission Zero, including at Happy Valley Pride and Calderdale Pride.