Update and thanks for supporting World Hepatitis Day 2023!

On #WorldHepatitisDay, 28 July 2023, health and community organisations and governments in Australia joined with the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), World Health Organization and a global network of over 300 WHA members in nearly 100 countries in a call to accelerate elimination efforts of viral hepatitis now.

The theme “Hepatitis Can’t Wait” highlights the need to accelerate viral hepatitis elimination efforts, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

World Hepatitis Day Events across Australia

This year saw fantastic support and coverage for World Hepatitis Day. Just some of the events listed on the Australian World Hepatitis Day calendar included:

Thank you to everyone who organised, attended and helped to promote those events. Together, we have achieved substantial outcomes, from raising awareness to advocating for better policies and support systems.

World Hepatitis Day National Parliamentary Event

Parliamentary Event photos

The World Hepatitis Day National Parliamentary Event was undoubtedly a success. We were thrilled to see key community members, MPs, Senators, policymakers, and advocates come together to discuss the urgent need for action against hepatitis and to make multi-partisan commitments. The discussions held during the event have set the stage for meaningful policy changes and increased awareness at a national level.

Speakers included:

  • Selina Walker, Senior Ngunnawal woman
  • Rebecca Johnson, OAM, Community Member & Hepatitis Australia Director
  • The Hon Emma McBride MP, Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister Rural and Regional Health
  • Senator The Hon Anne Ruston, Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care
  • Senator Louise Pratt, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends Group
  • Senator Dean Smith, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends Group
  • John Didlick, Policy Analyst, Hepatitis Australia
  • Stuart Manoj-Margison, Director, Communicable Diseases, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
  • John Gobeil, CEO, Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL)
  • Mish Pony, CEO, Scarlet Alliance
  • Lien Tran, Co-founder and Vice Chair, Hepatitis B Voices Australia
  • Grant Phelps, President, Hepatitis Australia
  • Carrie Fowlie, CEO, Hepatitis Australia

More photos of the parliamentary event.

63 Australian landmarks glowed green for World Hepatitis Day

Landmarks glow green

Thanks to our member organisations’ coordination, supporters of World Hepatitis Day illuminated landmarks across Australia with vibrant green lights. This gesture was not only a tribute to those affected by viral hepatitis but also a powerful call for global decision-makers to prioritise the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. The colour green, symbolises life, vitality, and progress, perfectly embodies the spirit of the #NOhep initiative to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. Launched by the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) on World Hepatitis Day 2016, this initiative has garnered worldwide recognition.

List of landmarks 

Media coverage on World Hepatitis Day

This year we had unprecedented interest and support from media and radio. Many of our members were able to speak and provide interviews on elimination efforts and advocate for required services, as well as providing opportunities for community members impacted by hepatitis B or C to share their stories directly.

List of media coverage

2023 Factsheet available in multiple languages

The 2023 World Hepatitis Day Factsheet is available in Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic and English. We encourage you to download and share this resource with your communities:

Steps towards elimination

All Australian governments have committed to eliminating hepatitis B and hepatitis C by 2030, but to achieve this they need to resource communities to provide appropriate information and support tailored to their needs. On 28th July, we united our voices to amplify the call for increased action and support for those affected by hepatitis. Your participation and support were essential in raising awareness and advocating for a brighter future.

We are reminded that these achievements are a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose. We thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

Together, we will continue to make a meaningful difference towards the global objective of elimination of hepatitis B and C.

Published:

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Author: Danny Adams

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