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Ahead of World Hepatitis Day, on Monday 28 July 2025, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security has urged the public to take prevention, early testing and access to treatment seriously in the ongoing fight against viral hepatitis.
Luxembourg’s Minister for Health and Social Security, Martine Deprez, said: “Too many people still remain unaware that they are living with viral hepatitis. Early detection saves lives. We must keep breaking down taboos, spread awareness and ensure everyone can access effective treatment.”
Luxembourg continues to roll out targeted initiatives across the country, achieving notable progress - particularly in prisons - and exploring new approaches such as peer support to reach the most vulnerable groups. Health officials stress that viral hepatitis can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Everyone should speak with their doctor to determine whether a hepatitis test is appropriate.
What Is Viral Hepatitis? Understanding Transmission, Testing and Treatment
Viral hepatitis - an inflammation of the liver caused by specific viruses - affects millions globally. It contributes significantly to liver cancer and avoidable cirrhosis.
The main types of viral hepatitis include:
⁃ Hepatitis A and E: Typically acute, these infections spread through contaminated food or water;
⁃ Hepatitis B, C and D: These forms transmit through blood or other bodily fluids and can become chronic.
Vaccines exist for hepatitis A, B and D. People living with active hepatitis B can benefit from appropriate treatment. While no vaccine currently exists for hepatitis C, curative treatments are available. Early testing remains crucial for effective care.
Local Services Boost Access to Testing and Care
Since 2022, the Outreach programme, led by the Health Directorate and delivered in partnership with the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL), has focused on people most at risk of hepatitis C - especially drug users. Teams provide diagnostic tests and treatments within or near community centres like Abrigado and Jugend an Drogenhëllef (JDH). These services reduce barriers to care, particularly for women who often face compounded vulnerabilities.
According to the Ministry of Health and Social Security, so far, teams have carried out over 250 screenings, identifying 118 active infections. Of those, 40 individuals have completed treatment successfully and now live hepatitis-free.
Major Progress in Prisons
The ministry noted that Luxembourg’s prison system has also recorded major achievements in recent years. At the Centre pénitentiaire de Luxembourg (CPL), authorities have nearly eliminated hepatitis C. Since January 2025, the prison has reported no active cases. Health teams achieved this by combining prevention programmes, risk-reduction strategies, routine screening at admission and timely access to treatment. Other prisons across the country have begun adopting the same measures, showing promising early results.
Peer Support Programme: Speaking from Experience
In 2025, Jugend an Drogenhëllef, in collaboration with the CHL and with support from the Ministry of Health and Social Security, launched a peer-led support programme for drug users affected by hepatitis C. The project recruits former drug users who have successfully undergone treatment. These trained peer workers now guide and support current users, offering personal testimony and practical help to access testing and care. Through support groups and one-on-one assistance, peer workers foster trust, reduce risk and help people stick to their treatment plans.
MARGA: A Safe Haven for Women
Since opening in December 2024, the MARGA centre in Luxembourg-Neudorf, which is operated by the National Committee for Social Defence (CNDS), has provided daytime support to adult women who use illicit drugs. The centre offers a holistic service including rest areas, nursing care, a safe drug consumption room, social support and access to hepatitis testing and treatment. MARGA supports women on the path to greater stability and responds specifically to the needs of female drug users, ensuring they receive care in a safe and dignified environment.
