§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to raise awareness of the hepatitis C virus; and if he will make a statement. [29002]
§ Ms JowellThe Department has produced a range of publications for the National Health Service and the public to raise awareness of hepatitis C.
Injecting drug misusers who share contaminated equipment are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis C infection. The Guidelines for Doctors on the Clinical Management of Drug Misusers, last issued in 1991, are currently being revised and will be published later this year. They will include updated advice on the management of hepatitis C in drug misusers. The guidance to purchasers of drug treatment and care services, which the Department issued in March 1997, included advice for purchasers on dealing with those who seek testing for hepatitis C.
The Chief Medical Officer's letter to all doctors in April 1995 about the hepatitis C and blood transfusion look back exercise included advice about the prevalence, epidemiology and treatment of hepatitis C.
496WThe Department is funding representatives of the medical profession to produce clinical guidelines on the use of alpha interferon in treating hepatitis C which will be disseminated widely.
The Health Advice for Travellers booklet contains advice for those travelling abroad on avoiding the risks of hepatitis C. The revised version of the Travel Safe leaflet which will be published later this year will contain similar information.
The Department is funding the British Liver Trust to raise awareness and provide advice on hepatitis C and the Trust have produced a number of comprehensive leaflets.
The Health Education Authority has published an information leaflet on hepatitis C for the public which may be obtained from general practitioner surgeries.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has commissioned in respect of the hepatitis C virus; and if he will make a statement. [29004]
§ Ms JowellIn 1996, the Department made £1 million available for research into the natural history, prevalence, transmission and treatment of hepatitis C. The results of the research commissioned so far will become available over the next three years. A further £500,000 will be allocated this year to expand the research programme. In addition, the National Health Service Health Technology Assessment is finalising the arrangements for a research project to establish the effectiveness of the early treatment of chronic hepatitis C with alpha interferon.