World Hepatitis Day - 28 July

Click to visit world hepatitis day site

Click to visit world hepatitis day site

The theme for World Hepatitis Day in Australia for 2018 is
 'Why Miss Out'

In 2016 Australia became a world leader in access to new treatments to cure hepatitis C, which is available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) via prescription by your GP or specialist. Access to vaccinations to prevent hepatitis B have been affordable for some time and treatment for hepatitis B is available through the PBS. This presents a golden opportunity for many thousands of Australians.

Despite having such good access to testing, vaccinations and treatment many people in Australia are still missing out on the care they need. Thousands still have not been tested and are unaware they have hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Many who may have been diagnosed years ago are not accessing their doctor to monitor how hepatitis B is effecting their liver health and many are unaware they could be cured of hepatitis C.

We encourage all Australians living with hepatitis B or hepatitis C to speak to their doctor about treatment options or call their state or territory hepatitis organisation on 1800 437 222 for more information. 

World Hepatitis Day in Australia is coordinated nationally by Hepatitis Australia and implemented at local level by Hepatitis Australia member organisations and collaborators. 

 

#StigmaStops

Stigma stops the majority of people living with viral hepatitis enjoying the quality of life they deserve. From social exclusion and inferior healthcare to denial of employment opportunities and verbal assaults, stigma and discrimination stop people living with viral hepatitis from fulfilling their potential.

According to a new report published by the World Hepatitis Alliance, more than 90% of countries surveyed reported stigma and discrimination to some degree.

  • Almost 3 in 4 respondents suffer from self-stigmatisation
  • Over half of respondents have been socially isolated
  • 1 in 2 people have experienced unjust barriers to healthcare
  • 42% have lost out on job opportunities or income

The report entitled “Holding Governments Accountable: World Hepatitis Alliance Civil Society Survey Global Findings Report” found that stigma not only affects an individual’s ability to access diagnostics and treatment but also impacts their personal life, mental health and ability to work, learn and maintain relationships. Yet, despite this, very few respondents felt that their government was effectively addressing it on a national level, making stigma and discrimination a significant barrier to the elimination of viral hepatitis.

As a community, we must come together to challenge misconceptions and be empowered to act on violations.

Make a NOhep pledge - there's no excuse.

The NOhep:NOEXCUSE pledge campaign is a year-round advocacy and awareness-raising activity calling on all people to stop making excuses and pledge simple actions to help eliminate viral hepatitis.  Click on the images below to make your pledge today.

Uptake of new hepatitis C treatment.

The Kirby Institute is releasing regular reports on the number of people initiating treatment for hepatitis C, using the new generation medicines.  The new generation medicines became available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 March 2016. The reports show the estimated number of people commencing the new medicines generation medicines to treat and cure hepatitis C. The reports are available for download here or you can view the latest report by using the button below.

Latest News

Featured
In Poor Health: Health Care in Australian Immigration Detention

Every year before the new cures became available more and more Australians were dying from hepatitis C.  Since 2016 the tens of thousands who have been cured are living longer, more productive, happier and healthier lives in ‘The Lucky Country’. 

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After years of pressure, Canada’s prison service to usher in needle exchange programs.

OTTAWA - The federal prison service plans to introduce needle exchange programs in a bid to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases among inmates.

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Elimination goal in jeopardy due to government’s failure to act

Hepatitis Australia is very disappointed the Government has chosen not to act to allocate funds in the budget to arrest the decline in hepatitis C treatment. The fall in treatment initiations has been evident for over six months and is putting the Minister’s stated goal of eliminating hepatitis C by 2030 in jeopardy.

Read More →

 

Support us.

Hepatitis Australia is a charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission. Please contribute to our aim of a world without viral hepatitis by making a tax deductible donation. Find out more

Hepatitis Australia is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation that became incorporated in 1997. We do not provide services to individuals. To locate hepatitis services in your area visit the services page or call the Info line on 1300 437 222. Our members consist of the state and territory hepatitis organisations and other key services providing hepatitis services.

Page updated: 21 December 2017