Tom Arthur, MSP for Renfrewshire South, has led a debate in the Scottish Parliament looking forward to a future where hepatitis C is eliminated, following publication of a report by The Hepatitis C Trust.
During the debate, Tom highlighted the importance of testing and urged people concerned to seek support and not to worry in silence.
An estimated 37,000 people in Scotland are infected with hepatitis C, with approximately 40% remaining undiagnosed. Hepatitis C is preventable, treatable and curable, but can cause fatal cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated. It is predominantly spread through the sharing of unsterilized equipment to inject recreational drugs.
Commenting after the debate, Tom Arthur said,
“I’m proud of the progress that has been made in tackling hepatitis C.
“We must now look ahead to a future where hepatitis C is no longer a public health concern for people across Scotland.
“Eliminating a public health issue that disproportionately affects some of the poorest and most marginalised groups in our society is an extraordinary and eminently achievable opportunity which should be seized with both hands.”