England is on track to be one of the first countries in the world to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV), thanks to a pioneering antiviral drugs programme. That effort found 1,900 previously undiagnosed cases, and was helped by the provision of a free, confidential route to an at-home test kit, without needing to speak with a GP. Acute HCV infection is usually asymptomatic and is only rarely associated with life-threatening disease. "I remember thinking, 'Go ahead – I can't imagine how I could possibly have hepatitis C, but if you're checking everything, then check everything. "We are on the cusp of one of the most significant public health achievements in our country's history," commented Rachel Halford, CEO of The Hepatitis C Trust.