Help fight stigma and discrimination

If you are over 18 and living with or have previously had hep C in Australia, tell us about your experiences of living with hep C. 

The Centre for Social Research in Health at UNSW Sydney is seeking people who have had or are currently living with hepatitis C to take part in a 15 minute online survey about experiences of hepatitis C, including treatment, community, wellbeing, stigma and discrimination.

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.

#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.

Latest News

Featured
Another HCV blow as MSD pulls promotion.

MSD confirms it will no longer promote ZEPATIER (grazoprevir and elbasvir) andtThe company attributed its decision to the dramatic decline in the uptake of the direct-acting antivirals, with treatment rates falling "significantly" in the past year…

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Hepatitis Australia Seeks Federal Election Commitments for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

We are at a critical juncture - without immediate increased investment and action the 2022 National Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C targets will likely not be achieved and promise of elimination may fade away. In the lead up to the 2019 Federal Election Hepatitis Australia has laid out our requests to the major parties to get us back on track

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Government happy with status quo for hepatitis as WHO elimination targets start to slip and cancer rates increase

Hepatitis Australia welcomes the Government’s broad commitment to Australia’s National Strategies addressing blood borne virus (BBVs) and in particular supports its increased focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and the broader Indigenous health funding announced in the Federal Budget. 

However, Hepatitis Australia notes the lack of additional support to reverse the sharp decline in people being cured of hepatitis C and the apparent lack of recognition of liver cancer and deaths related to hepatitis B.

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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: 24 January 2019