Plans for hep C to be eliminated in Ireland by 2026

Plans to extend a breakthrough treatment for hepatitis C to eliminate the disease in Ireland over the next 10 years have been announced by the HSE.

Between 20,000 and 50,000 people in Ireland are chronically infected with hepatitis C, but half are unaware they have it.

Since late 2014, 700 people have been treated with direct-acting antiviral drugs. These can cure the disease in most patients.