World Hepatitis Day: the Ministry of Health and Social Security is stepping up its commitment

To mark World Hepatitis Day, which takes place every 28 July, the Ministry of Health and Social Security, in collaboration with the National Infectious Diseases Service and partner associations, is raising public awareness on the need to step up efforts to combat this disease, which affects millions of people around the world.

The Health Directorate is also taking this opportunity to remind people who have contracted the hepatitis C virus and who are not under medical supervision that there are now highly effective treatments available. In such cases, it is advisable to contact your GP or a specialist doctor (infectiologist, hepatologist, etc.) to assess your condition.

Local centres promoting prevention and screening

Under the aegis of the 2023-2028 national programme to combat viral hepatitis, and in line with the World Health Organisation's (WHO) objective of eradicating viral hepatitis by 2030, the Health Directorate is continuing its fight against this disease by facilitating access to hepatitis C screening for the most vulnerable sections of the population.

The Outreach project, which was launched in 2022 and funded by the Health Directorate, has led to significant advances in hepatitis C screening and treatment.

By 2023, more than 150 screening tests had been carried out in high-risk populations, three times as many as in 2022, making it possible to identify and treat people with the disease in hard-to-reach populations who are not necessarily able to attend hospital consultations. In addition, the acquisition of new rapid diagnostic equipment has enabled the diagnosis of 50 cases of active hepatitis C requiring treatment.

The availability of diagnostics and treatment in the close surroundings of reception centres such as Abrigado or the Jugend an Drogenhëllef is crucial to the care of at-risk populations, particularly female drug users, who are all the more vulnerable because of their gender. The sexual violence and forced, unprotected prostitution that they sometimes have to face affects their self-esteem, prevents them from protecting themselves effectively and also makes it difficult for them to access healthcare.

A dedicated group has been set up in the Abrigado reception centre, where women can meet educators, nurses, social workers and other women with similar experiences. By 2023, 82 of them had benefited from this initiative.

‘The work of the carers in these facilities is invaluable. They provide a safe space where women can receive appropriate care and support, breaking their isolation and enabling them to maintain their dignity. On this World Hepatitis Day, we are reaffirming our commitment to the fight against this disease and our determination to facilitate access to healthcare for the most vulnerable people, with or without social security cover, because health is a right for everyone’, explained Minister Martine Deprez.

Upcoming initiatives

A regular information and awareness-raising campaign aimed primarily at drug users focuses on four key areas: 'prevention', 'screening', 'treatment' and 'self-respect'.

The Test and Treat strategy, which is available to everyone in facilities specialising in addiction treatment, will continue with the aim of breaking the chain of transmission of infectious diseases. The Health Directorate, in collaboration with partner organisations, is also aiming to step up screening efforts and standardise them on a weekly basis at two reception facilities: the Abrigado and Kontakt Esch centres.

Training courses for healthcare professionals will also be available to improve the skills of those working in the field, ensuring high-quality care for people at risk.

In general, the Ministry of Health and Social Security is calling for greater collaboration with its partners to develop relationships of trust with drug users, in order to improve their access to treatment and patient follow-up.

Where to get tested?

Screening for hepatitis C can be carried out:

• by making an appointment with your GP or any other doctor,
• by attending the screening consultation of the national infectious diseases department at the CHL, where a blood test or rapid test may be prescribed,
• by visiting the HIV-Berodung service of the Luxembourg Red Cross, where a rapid test will be offered,
• at the Abrigado and Kontakt Esch, where rapid screening is available, as well as diagnosis, on certain days only, thanks to the new rapid diagnosis device for active infection.
• at the LGBTIQ+ Cigale, which is open every Thursday from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm.

Further information is available on the DIMPS website.

More information:

• on the WHO's recommendations for eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
• on the guide to sexually transmitted infections

Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security