Scottish Executive pledges hepatitis C fund

The Scottish Executive has announced the details of a four million pound action plan to fight the proliferation of hepatitis C in Scotland.

Andy Kerr, health minister, claims that hepatitis C is a “significant public health problem” and has put forward a plan to encourage better coordination and planning of hepatitis C related services in Scotland.

In addition, an extra 314,000 pounds will be used to launch an awareness campaign aimed at improving public knowledge of the disease.

Mr Kerr remarked: “Scotland has the highest prevalence of the virus in the UK and that is why the prevention of new infections is so important.”

“Early diagnosis of the virus will reduce transmission to others, limit the rate of liver damage and prevent long-term complications,” he added.

Dr Niccie Rowan of the UK Hepatitis C Resource Centre said the charity was “delighted” with the action plan, concluding that it was pleased with the “clear lines” of responsibility and accountability set out in the strategy.

Some 50,000 people in the Scotland are estimated to be infected with the hepatitis C virus.