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The Federal Election and what needs to be done to support hepatitis B and hepatitis C

Hepatitis Australia has written to the major Australian political parties calling on them to clearly state their intentions to provide additional and targeted funds to address the hepatitis B and hepatitis C gaps and opportunities for action outlined in this paper.

Use the button to find out more about what we are asking and how the political parties are responding.

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.

Latest News

Featured
No cause for celebration yet - more to do to stop hepatitis C deaths

Australia also already achieved the WHO’s 2020 mortality target. Some might say that this is good news - but at Hepatitis Australia we don’t agree.  Virtually every hepatitis C death occurs because the gold-standard treatment and care available in Australia did not reach the person that needed it in time.

Read More →
Companies ink deal in England to find HCV patients

Patient uptake might be languishing in Australia but England has acted and announced a new deal with companies that will involve the pro-active identification of people living with hepatitis C.

Read More →
Hepatitis Australia welcomes HCV commitments

Hepatitis Australia has welcomed outcomes from the March PBAC meeting it says are "cognisant" of the need to address the fall in treatment initiations and an election commitment from the Greens.

The committee recommended a number of revisions to the PBS listing of the direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C with more "significant changes" on the horizon.

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: 24 January 2019