World Hepatitis Day in Luxembourg

Every year on 28 July, the world community remembers one of the most insidious infections of our time - viral hepatitis. In Luxembourg, this day is an occasion not only to remind of the danger of the disease, but also to highlight the results of the fight against it. Minister of Health and Social Protection Martine Deprez reminded that too many people do not know about their diagnosis, and early detection can save lives. The country is focusing on combating hepatitis C, a form of the disease that is transmitted through the blood and may not show symptoms for a long time, destroying the liver.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viruses. Forms A and E are usually transmitted through contaminated water or food and cause acute but short-lived infections. Much more dangerous are hepatitis B, C and D, which are transmitted through blood and bodily fluids - they can become chronic and cause cirrhosis or liver cancer. There are vaccines against A, B and D. Hepatitis C is still unvaccinated, but modern medicines allow a complete cure - if detected in time.

Since 2022, Luxembourg has had an Outreach programme aimed at preventing and treating hepatitis C among vulnerable groups - especially drug users. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Health and implemented by CHL. Health services and testing are available at the places where these groups receive care - for example, at Abrigado or JDH centres. In more than two years, more than 250 people have been tested, 118 have been found to have active infection, and 40 have already successfully completed treatment.

One of the most impressive achievements has been the near eradication of hepatitis C in prisons. At the beginning of 2025, not a single patient with active virus remains in the Centre pénitentiaire de Luxembourg (CPL). This is the result of an extensive campaign: mandatory testing on admission, risk reduction measures and access to treatment. This approach is planned to be replicated in other prisons.

Another unusual initiative, the "pairs hépatites" programme, has been in operation since the beginning of 2025. Former drug users who have successfully recovered from hepatitis C and are on the road to social reintegration are now helping others on the same path. They hold one-to-one meetings, participate in support groups and become guides from mistrust and fear to treatment and recovery. This approach helps overcome barriers that the formal health care system cannot always break down.

Special attention is paid to women who use drugs in the fight against hepatitis. In December 2024, a MARGA facility opened in the Neudorf neighbourhood of Luxembourg. It provides a safe space, medical care, social support and access to testing.