The Hep B – Get Tested campaign is a national awareness campaign led by Hepatitis Australia in collaboration with ASHM and Hep B Voices Australia to encourage people from Chinese and Filipino communities to get tested for hepatitis B and, where needed, connect with ongoing care.
Alongside the community awareness campaign, resources have been developed to support GPs to identify people who may be at risk, have conversations about hepatitis B, offer testing and support patients to access ongoing care.
About the campaign
Around 220,000 people in Australia are living with chronic hepatitis B, with more than 70 per cent from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Many people living with hepatitis B are unaware they have the virus or are not receiving the recommended monitoring and care.
Hepatitis B can be a silent infection, meaning people can feel well for many years while the virus causes damage to the liver. Regular monitoring and appropriate care can help prevent serious liver damage and liver cancer.
The campaign aims to address barriers to testing and care, including limited awareness, stigma, misinformation and uncertainty about how to raise hepatitis B with a doctor.
Key campaign messages include:
- You don't need to feel sick to have hepatitis B.
- A simple blood test can tell you whether you have hepatitis B.
- Testing is private, confidential and free.
- People living with hepatitis B can live long and healthy lives with appropriate care.
- Regular monitoring can help protect the liver and reduce the risk of serious health complications.
- Culturally safe support is available for people who need help navigating testing and care.
The campaign also reinforces that having hepatitis B does not prevent people from living their lives, including working, having children and migrating successfully.
Campaign delivery
The campaign ran across 11 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) where hepatitis B prevalence is above the national average.
Campaign materials were distributed through primary care clinics, pharmacies, community organisations, multicultural media and other community-based channels.
To support access for diverse communities, campaign materials have been developed in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Tagalog.
A GP information pack has also been developed as part of the campaign, providing healthcare providers with resources and tools to support their engagement with people who may be living with or at risk of hepatitis B.
The campaign is supported by the Australian Centre for Disease Control.
