CASES of hepatitis C could be eradicated in Bradford by 2025, according to leading liver expert Dr Sulleman Moreea.

The consultant hepatologist at Bradford Royal Infirmary said the dream of wiping out the virus that could be affecting up to 4,000 people in the city really is "an achievable goal".

The virus is blood-borne virus and predominantly infects the cells of the liver. If left untreated it can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer and death.

There are about 1,200 patients who have been referred to the hospital with Hepatitis C but the total number of people with it in Bradford is estimated to be between 3,000 to 4,000, according to Dr Moreea.

"Things are looking good for Hep C in Bradford," he said.

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"We have the second largest treatment centre for it in WestYorkshire and exciting news is that we are going to get far more potent drugs in the next six months. This magic tablet will be given to NHS patients.

"Our waiting list for treatment is now minimal. People have to wait less than eight weeks now although treatment itself is long and can last for one year.

"Things have definitely moved on for us here, from having a large waiting list to almost clearing that list. We are very active in the community and that is getting us results.

The BRI is one of four UK centres taking part in a HepFree study which won it a grant to go into GP surgeries and identify people who were at risk of having Hep C.

As part of that study 20,000 letters have been sent out and 6,000 have taken up the offer of blood tests but the results can not be made public until the study is completed.

However, it is estimated about three per cent of the UK's population who have come from any other country could have the virus, which can go undetected for many years because it is often symptomless.

Many of the city’s patients present in the late stages with cirrhosis or liver cancer and in the past Dr Moreea has called on everyone over the age of 18 to be tested.

Dr Moreea said: "The Hepfree study will help advise the Department of Health if there should be a national screening programme. Our study has been the biggest recruitment centre.

"The dream to eradicate Hep C in Bradford in the next ten years is an achievable goal."

Because of his work in the city, Dr Moreea was also invited to be part of a film by the Royal College of GPs, the Hepatitis C Trust and HCV Action, that will be seen by GPs and other health practitioners across the country to help raise their awareness and knowledge of Hepatitis C.

The film also features Shabana Begum, of Bradford, who was successfully treated at BRI for hepatitis and works in the community to encourage more people to get tested for it.