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Hepatitis C Micro-Elimination in a Deprived Coastal Town: Lessons From Blackpool
Sarah E Blagden1,2,3, Emma L MacFarlane4, Dianne C Draper2
1Blackpool Researching Together (NIHR Blackpool Health Determinants Research Collaboration) Blackpool UK.
Public Health Challenges
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Blackpool drug and alcohol services achieved hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination by integrating testing. Injecting drug use was the primary factor linked to positive HCV tests, highlighting the need for sustained testing practices.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Substance Abuse Treatment
Background:
- Blackpool faces high hepatitis C virus (HCV) rates, being England's most deprived area.
- Low HCV testing rates were identified within local drug and alcohol treatment services.
- A multi-stakeholder strategy was implemented to boost HCV testing uptake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated HCV testing strategy in Blackpool's drug and alcohol services.
- To assess HCV testing and treatment outcomes against national micro-elimination targets.
- To identify factors associated with positive HCV test results among service users.
Main Methods:
- Rapid evaluation using the UK Health Security Agency's model.
- Analysis of individual-level data from adult drug and alcohol treatment services (April 2024 - July 2025).
- Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and binary logistic regression were employed.
Main Results:
- Out of 1071 clients tested, 32 (3%) had active HCV infection.
- Over 90% of those testing positive initiated treatment.
- Injecting drug use was the sole independent factor associated with HCV infection, mediating substance type effects.
Conclusions:
- Blackpool's drug and alcohol services successfully met all HCV micro-elimination criteria.
- Sustaining integrated HCV testing into routine practice is crucial for long-term success.
- The study demonstrates a successful model for HCV elimination in vulnerable populations.
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