Hepatitis C is a significant public health concern worldwide, and its impact on the South Asian community in the UK is particularly noteworthy. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver and is often transmitted through the sharing of contaminated needles, blood transfusions, or through unprotected sexual contact.
Within the UK, the South Asian community represents a diverse group of individuals originating from countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Research indicates that this community is disproportionately affected by Hepatitis C compared to other demographic groups. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including limited awareness and knowledge about the disease, cultural stigma surrounding the discussion of health issues, and barriers to accessing healthcare services.
Data from ‘The Hepatitis C Trust’ says that while just 0.5% of the UK population carries the Hepatitis C virus, when it comes to South Asian community, this figure rises to 2.3%
The Government of UK’s migrant health guide also states that: “Surveillance and research studies in England have found that individuals of South Asian origin are among those at increased risk of hepatitis C infection.”
Rachel Halford, CEO of the Hepatitis C Trust, said: “Marking the 12th World Hepatitis Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that’s been achieved on the road to elimination but it’s also a reminder of how much further we need to go.
“We are fast approaching the Government’s hepatitis C elimination target dates and there is no time to waste to reach the people who remain undiagnosed.
“You can go many years before you experience any symptoms of hepatitis C but the damage the virus can do to your liver as it goes undetected can be life-threatening. People can be exposed to hepatitis C a number of ways, including having a blood transfusion before the early 1990s, having medical treatment or a tattoo abroad or via injecting drugs use.
“Getting yourself tested has never been easier. Free and confidential tests from the NHS are now available online. If you’re worried about hepatitis C, get tested, get treated, get cured.”
According to the World Health Organization, around 10 million people in South Asia are living with hepatitis C. If you have spent time in South Asia, including countries such as India, Bangladesh, or Pakistan at any time in your life – as a resident or a regular visitor – it is good to know what activities can put you at risk and to make sure you get tested for hepatitis C if needed.
Shabana, a British Pakistani, who was diagnosed with Hepatitis C said: “I’m a grandmother and 18 years ago I found out that I had caught the hepatitis C virus when I was a teenager.
“I had been unwell for a number of years and my doctor said it was down to depression. He put me on antidepressants but took me off them six months later when they didn’t work.
“I had a whole variety of symptoms including severe depression, digestive problems, sleepless nights, and terrible mood swings. I felt like I almost always had the flu; my nose would run; I had a high temperature and I felt aches all over my body.
“Every other day I was at the GP.
“At the time of my diagnosis, they used to do a liver biopsy and could use this test to tell me how long I had the virus. They told me I’d had it for 15 to 20 years.
“This meant I must have contracted hepatitis C when I was 13-14 years old in Pakistan. I remember that I had fallen ill at that age. My father had taken me to a local doctor who used a syringe that was not sterile.
“Because of the poor sterilisation of medical equipment, I am not the only one from my family in Pakistan who got sick. I have lost five family members to hepatitis C because they had been treated by the same doctor as I had while I was in the country. You have to pay for hepatitis C treatment in Pakistan they couldn’t afford the treatment.
“Since I was diagnosed, treatment for the virus has come on a long way. Now people are able to take one tablet a day and clear hepatitis C in just eight to 12 weeks.”
The cultural norms within the South Asian community sometimes discourage open discussions about health-related matters, which can lead to a lack of understanding about the risks associated with Hepatitis C and the available preventive measures and treatment options.
To address this issue effectively, it is crucial to implement targeted awareness campaigns that consider cultural sensitivities and language preferences. These campaigns can help educate the community about the risks of Hepatitis C, how it spreads, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community leaders, and local organizations is also essential to create a supportive environment that encourages screening, testing, and treatment for Hepatitis C.
By prioritizing education, awareness, and access to healthcare, we can work towards reducing the burden of Hepatitis C among the South Asian community in the UK. Empowering individuals with knowledge about the disease and breaking down cultural barriers to healthcare will pave the way for a healthier future for all members of this diverse community.
UK is on a mission to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030.
If you need more information or help regarding Hepatitis C Bradford Royal Infirmary’s Hepatitis C service team can be contacted on: 01274 383107 or you can request a call-back by emailing: bth.hepc@nhs.net. You can also to the Hepatitis C charity at helpline@hepctrust.org.uk
