Drug and alcohol charity WithYou has achieved micro-elimination of hepatitis C across its North Somerset services.

In collaboration with Gilead Sciences, this marks a significant step towards NHS England's goal of eliminating the virus by 2025.

Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus that can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Early testing is crucial, as prompt detection and treatment reduce the risk of severe liver damage.

More than 90 per cent of those treated can be cured.

The charity, in partnership with the Bristol and Severn Operational Delivery Network and the Bristol Royal Infirmary NHS Foundation Trust, has been actively promoting the importance of testing and treatment.

This includes taking testing directly to people's doorsteps.

Gill Flanagan, WithYou's head of service delivery in North Somerset, said: "If left untreated, hepatitis C can cause serious and potentially life-threatening damage.

"But we’ve made so much progress in recent years, and now 90 per cent of people who are treated can be cured.

"It’s really important for us to do what works to help our clients.

"It’s been a whole team effort from testing new clients straightaway, testing people when they’re visiting, setting up stalls at the hospital, and going to meet people in their own homes.

"I’m so proud of the North Somerset WithYou staff who have put so much dedication and commitment into supporting our clients to get tested and achieve micro-elimination of hep C."

Hannah Ritchie, a healthcare assistant at WithYou North Somerset, was appointed as the charity's hep C champion.

She has led the initiative, boosting staff confidence and supporting clients.

For those who test positive, she guides them through the entire process, ensuring they receive the appropriate treatment and monitoring their progress.

Rickie Bartlett, WithYou’s clinical lead in North Somerset, said: "Every successful treatment, every person who is now free from hepatitis C is a direct result of the relentless efforts and hard work of our staff.

"This milestone is just the beginning.

"We have proven what is possible when we come together with a common goal.

"Our next step is full elimination."

Micro-elimination is achieved when 100 per cent of clients in structured treatment are offered a hepatitis C test, 100 per cent of those with a history of injecting have been tested, 90 per cent of current and previous injectors (at risk) have a hepatitis C test date within the last 12 months, and 90 per cent of clients who’ve tested positive for hepatitis have commenced treatment.

Globally, around 58 million people live with chronic hepatitis C, and there are approximately 1.5 million new infections each year.

The NHS has committed to eliminating hepatitis C before 2025, and by achieving micro-elimination, the service has significantly contributed to this target.