Officially launched at Parliament House in Canberra, the National Hepatitis Infoline is a free and confidential service that provides localised information and support to anyone, anywhere in Australia.

Viral hepatitis is preventable and treatable; yet it is the leading cause of liver cancer - the fastest growing cause of cancer death in Australia. Fortunately, Australia has committed to eliminating hepatitis B and C by 2030 and has seen progress towards this important public health goal. Hepatitis C has a cure, and hepatitis B has a vaccine and effective treatments.

"Eliminating viral hepatitis in Australia by 2030 is absolutely achievable, and our government is committed to ensuring we get there," stated the Hon Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care.

The National Hepatitis B Strategy and the National Hepatitis C Strategy drive Australia’s response to achieve the 2030 elimination goals. The public consultation on these national strategies will begin soon. “We are now in the later stages of developing the new national hepatitis B and C strategies, covering 2023 to 2030 – a last big last push to eliminate hepatitis B and hepatitis C by 2030,” stated Ms Kearney.

“People affected by hepatis B or hepatitis C can feel incredibly overwhelmed. The National Hepatitis Infoline supports people to engage in testing, diagnosis and treatment by enabling access to accurate information and support,” said Carrie Fowlie, CEO of Hepatitis Australia.

“We’re very excited about the National Hepatitis Infoline, it’s a key piece of infrastructure in our national response,” said Ms Kearney. “It fills a critical service delivery gap by providing nationally coordinated, localised, community-based support.”

Over 4000 people have already accessed the National Hepatitis Infoline for information, peer support, linkages and referrals. “We encourage anyone to contact the National Hepatitis Infoline, no matter what your question might be,” said Ms Fowlie.

To access the service, people can visit the website at www.nationalhepatitisinfoline.org.au or call 1800 HEP ABC (1800 437 222). Face-to-face services are also available, and some services may be available via webchat, text or email.

Media contact – Carrie Fowlie, CEO Hepatitis Australia, [email protected] 

The National Hepatitis Infoline is funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care.  To promote this service access the brand kit here.

Download the National Hepatitis Infoline Report March 2023