§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to tackle the problems of the hepatitis C infection in Norwich among intravenous drug users; and if he will include hepatitis C infection in a general programme on blood-borne viruses. [124889]
§ Yvette CooperNorfolk health authority funds specific initiatives to prevent and control blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis C, among injecting drug misusers. These initiatives include needle exchange schemes; outreach services; an immunisation programme against hepatitis B; information and advice on preventing blood-borne virus transmission; testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV; and training and guidance for health professionals.
We recognise that blood-borne viruses, in particular hepatitis C, are a public health issue in relation to injecting drug misusers. We are therefore commissioning research specifically about hepatitis C and injecting drug misusers, who currently form the largest source of new cases.
We have also asked the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) to consider the use of combination drug therapy (interferon alpha plus ribavirin) for the treatment of hepatitis C. NICE is also looking at evidence-based clinical guidelines for the management of patients with hepatitis C. NICE's recommendations, which are due this autumn, and the clinical guidelines will provide authoritative guidance to health care commissioners and clinicians.