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King’s brings Hepatitis tests closer to home for South Londoners

29 August 2025 - King’s College Hospital and the Caribbean and African Health Network launch free community testing

People from African and Caribbean communities living in South East London now have easier access to free, quick, and confidential Hepatitis testing, with weekly drop-in sessions at Brixton Library and Lewisham Shopping Centre.

The King’s Viral Hepatitis Nurses team will be on hand to offer Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing, liver health checks for anyone who tests positive, and information and resources about hepatitis.

The initiative is a partnership between King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN), with Hepatitis B test kits funded by King’s College Hospital Charity. The programme aims to bring hepatitis testing closer to communities at higher risk of Hepatitis B, supporting early diagnosis and access to care.

Kathryn Oakes, Clinical Nurse Specialist at King’s, said: “While community Hepatitis C testing has been available for a number of years, we are delighted to now be able to provide free and confidential Hepatitis B testing to local communities where we know there is an increased risk.

“With the right care and monitoring, people living with Hepatitis B can lead full and healthy lives. People born in Sub-Saharan Africa, East and South-East Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and South America or the Caribbean are more likely to have been exposed to the virus. The highest prevalence is in those born in Sub-Saharan Africa (up to 10%), so we are particularly keen to offer screening to people from these backgrounds.

“The hepatitis B and C viruses often do not have any symptoms, which means thousands of people are living with viral hepatitis without realising it. Not everyone with Hepatitis B requires treatment, but it is important that all patients with Hepatitis B receive the right care and monitoring. Hepatitis C can be cured with a short-term course of tablets. That’s why it’s so important to get tested and know your status.”

The weekly drop-in sessions start Thursday 28 August, running on alternate weeks at the following locations:

  • Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, London SW2 1JQ
    Thursdays, 11am – 2pm: 28 Aug, 11 Sep, 25 Sep, 9 Oct, 23 Oct, 6 Nov, 20 Nov
  • Lewisham Shopping Centre, Lewisham Community Space – Unit 17, Molesworth Sreet, London SE13 7HB
    Tuesdays, 11am – 2pm: 2 Sep, 16 Sep, 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Nov
  • Future dates are to be announced.

For more information and resources on living with Hepatitis B, visit www.hepbcompanion.org