The Haga service has reached its target as part of efforts by the NHS to eliminate hepatitis C as a major health concern by 2025

Haga’s base in Seven Sisters Road, Harringay

A service which supports people in Haringey with alcohol issues has successfully micro-eliminated hepatitis C.

Haringey Advisory Group on Alcohol (Haga) announced it had hit the target, which means that when 100% of people attending a service have been offered a hepatitis test, 90% of these people have been tested and more than 90% of people who have been diagnosed with the illness have started treatment.

NHS England set these micro-elimination targets, in order to eliminate hepatitis C as a major health concern by 2025. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus (BBV) which can cause damage to the liver if left untreated. People experiencing issues with drugs and alcohol are particularly at risk of contracting blood viruses.

The Haga service in Haringey, which is managed by the national charity Humankind, offers free, friendly, confidential treatment and recovery options for those in the borough who want to regain control over their drinking or drug taking. As well as expert treatment, people can also access counselling, group activities and social events to build supportive and positive communities. Before entering recovery to feel empowered to re-enter the workforce and society productively.

One aspect of the health support the local service provides is to actively test people for hepatitis C, and ensure treatment is available if a positive test is returned.

Haga service manager, Ann Davison, said: “I am immensely proud of the Haga team. Their dedication and hard work have led to the
remarkable achievement of micro-elimination in our service and working toward reducing stigma around blood borne viruses. Their success is a testament to their commitment to excellent client care.”

Danny Heckman from Humankind added: “This is a fantastic accomplishment for the Haga service, and we are very proud. We take
pride in our commitment to empowering people who use our service to take the lead in their own journey of recovery with the commitment and resilience to continue making healthy and positive life choices.

“I would like to thank the staff at HAGA for their hard work which has been recognised across the borough and within the Humankind national charity.”

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