Forward Leeds has achieved hepatitis C micro-elimination for the second consecutive year, marking a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to tackle the virus.
The achievement reflects a sustained, service-wide approach to testing, treatment and outreach, with staff working across teams to identify and support people who may otherwise face barriers to care. The programme focuses particularly on those experiencing health inequalities and difficult life circumstances to ensure access to timely interventions.
Helen Cook, Director at Forward Leeds, said the recognition highlights both the scale and consistency of the work being delivered. “Achieving micro-elimination for a second year is a significant accomplishment for Forward Leeds,” she said. “It reflects the commitment of our teams to engage people, build trust and deliver compassionate, high-quality care every day. This work is making a real and lasting difference to people’s lives across Leeds.”
Key to the success has been a coordinated effort spanning frontline delivery, data management, and community outreach. Staff have continued to prioritise hepatitis C testing and treatment pathways, alongside ongoing support to help people complete treatment and reduce the risk of reinfection.
The work has been led by Area Manager Anne-Marie McMullan, who has overseen the project since its inception, helping to embed hepatitis C elimination as a core priority across the service. Dedicated Hepatitis Champions within teams have also played an important role in maintaining focus and momentum.
This progress has also been strengthened by the coordination and oversight provided by Waythrough’s Regional Hepatitis C Coordinator, Darren Bloomfield. His strategic support has helped ensure alignment across partners, maintain high standards of delivery, and sustain momentum towards elimination goals across the region.
Community outreach has been another critical factor. Forward Leeds’ Hepatitis C Outreach Worker, Megan Greasby, has worked to engage people in a range of settings, building relationships and supporting individuals into testing and treatment, particularly those less likely to access traditional services.
The programme has also benefited from close partnership working. Forward Leeds collaborates with organisations including the Hepatitis C Trust and the West Yorkshire Liver Care Operational Delivery Network, whose expertise and support have strengthened delivery and outcomes.
Helen Cook emphasised that the impact of the achievement is ultimately measured in improved health outcomes for people across the city.
“What this means in practice is that more people in Leeds are being reached, tested and treated,” she said. “It shows that when we work together and remain focused on those most at risk, we can reduce harm, improve health and save lives.”
Forward Leeds’ continued success in this area demonstrates how a coordinated, partnership-led approach can contribute to the wider goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health concern.
Micro-elimination means focusing on a specific group or community and making sure almost everyone in that group is tested and treated for a disease like Hepatitis C.
Once very few people in that group still have the virus and new cases are rare, it’s considered effectively eliminated within that population.
Picture above shows left to right Hepatitis C Champions Stuart Manners and Angela Clough, Area Manager Anne-Marie McMullan and Megan Greasby