6. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Well-being: Update on the Substance Misuse Delivery Plan 2019-22

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:19 pm on 25 January 2022.

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Photo of Russell George Russell George Conservative 5:19, 25 January 2022

Diolch, Deputy Llywydd. Minister, like others I've also seen the good work of Kaleidoscope, so I'll add my own congratulations for the work that they do as well. My question, Minister, is linked to the blood-borne virus element of the strategy. I noticed that other UK nations have their target dates to accelerate the elimination of hepatitis C. In England and Northern Ireland the date is 2025, in Scotland it's 2024, and in Wales it remains 2030. So, my question is—. I'm just wondering, as we move out of the pandemic, I wonder if there's a chance here, an opportunity, to build on much of the good work, I think, that's been done in Wales in that regard. I wonder, Minister, if you would produce a national elimination strategy for hepatitis C in particular, and I wonder if the Government and you would commit to considering eliminating hepatitis C by 2025, in line with the other UK nations.