Bangladeshi in UK: Get tested Hapatitis C at home for free

October 26, 2023
People in South Asian communities across the UK can now access free and discreet hepatitis C home testing kits from the NHS. People who are unsure whether to get tested can complete a brief survey about hepatitis C, Ki?? Hepatitis C is a virus that can damage the liver and cause life-threatening illness. The prevalence of hepatitis C is higher in South Asian communities in the UK (2.3%) than in the general population in the UK (0.5%), as it is endemic in countries such as Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. New home testing kits have been created to help overcome stigma in the South Asian community, which can prevent people from getting tested if they are at risk. Once requested, it is enough to prick your finger and a few drops of blood to collect it yourself, then send it for analysis.. If necessary, the NHS will provide treatment. To better facilitate screening and treatment, Hep C, Ki?? (supported by the NHS and the Hepatitis C Trust) has produced a short survey on hepatitis C, Ki?? website to help people identify themselves or their family members who may be at risk. The Hep C, Ki? campaign also has a series of new videos to help raise awareness about the initiative. Scripted by British Bangladeshi comedian Ali Official, the WhatsApp-style videos use humor within multi-generational family group chats to tackle the barriers and stigma when it comes to getting tested and treated for hepatitis C. You can also visit https://befreeofhepc.co.uk/hepc-ki/ for more information about the campaign.