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

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The findings of the study mean that “treatment with direct-acting antivirals is associated with reduced risk for mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma and should be considered in all patients with chronic HCV infection”.

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Australian Guidelines for HCWs who perform exposure prone procedures and HCWs living with a blood borne virus (BBV).

The Australia Government has updated the National Guidelines for healthcare workers who perform exposure prone procedures and healthcare workers living with a blood borne virus (BBV). Here we provide you with a link to the new guidelines

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Civil society's critical role in the elimination of viral hepatitis

Each year, viral hepatitis kills 1.34 million people, which is comparable with deaths due to HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. With the advent of highly effective prevention measures and treatments, global elimination of viral hepatitis is a realistic goal; all WHO member states have committed to a global reduction in hepatitis-related deaths by 65% and new infections by 90% by 2030. This Commission sets out to appraise the current global situation and to identify priorities—for countries, regions, and globally—to accelerate efforts towards these ambitious targets.

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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