Mission: To make health a top priority for everyone in Northern Ireland.

In 2006 the HPA was commissioned by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to develop a public information campaign in support of the DHSSPS action plan for the prevention, management and control of hepatitis C in Northern Ireland

The hepatitis C virus was first identified in 1989. Up to the end of 2004, over 900 people in Northern Ireland had been diagnosed with hepatitis C infection. The growing importance of hepatitis C as a public health issue called for a local response in the form of an action plan.

The Strategic framework and action plan for the prevention and control of hepatitis C in Northern Ireland was developed in the context of:

• a rise in the number of people diagnosed with hepatitis C infection in Northern Ireland;
• an increase in the level of injecting drug users in Northern Ireland;
• a lack of public and professional information about hepatitis C infection;
• an acknowledged need for preventative action;
• the absence of clear clinical pathways for the management of patients with hepatitis C infection;
• the cross-sectoral approach to improving the health of the Northern Ireland population as set out in the public health strategy Investing for health and the DHSSPS 20 year regional strategy A healthier future;
• the New strategic direction for alcohol and drugs in Northern Ireland, which brought a new focus to the information and support needs of a group with a higher potential risk of becoming infected with hepatitis C.

In the absence of a vaccine, the focus of the action plan is on the prevention of hepatitis C by other means. The twin aims of the campaign, covering the period 2006-2011, are:

• to achieve a reduction in the prevalence of hepatitis C in Northern Ireland;
• to ensure that people with the infection are identified and receive high quality, evidence-based, patient-focused care.

In support of the campaign, the HPA has produced a pack for professionals containing three elements:

• a booklet for the public, Hepatitis C – Could I be at risk?
• a booklet containing Essential information for health professionals
• a leaflet to be issued by the Regional Virus Laboratory, Royal Hospitals, when communicating positive test results to clinicians after tests of patient specimens.

These packs will be distributed to relevant health and social care professionals and the public booklets will be available in GP surgeries and pharmacies. Additional copies will be available from the central health promotion resource services of the Health and Social Services Board areas.