Haringey Council

04/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2024 06:29

Haringey drug and alcohol service has successfully micro-eliminated life-altering blood virus

Efforts to identify and treat people in the borough who are unknowingly living with hepatitis C has reached a major milestone.

More than 90% of those attending Haringey Action on Alcohol (HAGA) have been tested and are starting treatment as part of a national drive to eliminate hepatitis C, a virus which damages the liver, as major health concern by 2025.

This so-called micro-elimination of the virus has been developed as a new way of tackling hepatitis C in local areas.

HAGA's achievement means the council and partners are helping to reduce the prevalence of harmful diseases in the community related to alcohol misuse.

HAGA Service Manager, Ann Davison, said:"I am immensely proud of the HAGA team. Their dedication and hard work have led to the remarkable achievement of micro-elimination in our service and working toward reducing stigma around blood borne viruses. Their success is a testament to their commitment to excellent client care."

Danny Heckman, Area Manager in the borough of Haringey, said: "This is a fantastic accomplishment for the HAGA service, and we are very proud.

"We take pride in our commitment to empowering people who use our service to take the lead in their own journey of recovery with the commitment and resilience to continue making healthy and positive life choices. I would like to thank the staff at HAGA for their hard work which has been recognised across the borough and within the Humankind national charity."

HAGA, which is managed by the national charity Humankind, offers free, friendly, confidential treatment and recovery options for those in the borough who want to regain control over their drinking or drug taking.

As well as expert treatment, people can also access counselling, group activities and social events to build supportive and positive communities. Before entering recovery to feel empowered to re-enter the workforce and society productively.

Notes to editors:

  • Haringey Council commissions Humankind to deliver the HAGA service for Haringey residents
  • HAGA is a free and confidential service providing support to people across the borough who want to make a change regarding their alcohol consumption. For more information, visit: https://www.haga.co.uk/
  • Humankind is one of England's largest drug and alcohol recovery providers and every day 12 people complete treatment within one of their free and confidential services. In addition to substance use programmes, the charity also provides housing, mental health, work, skills, and education services. For more information, visit: https://humankindcharity.org.uk/