World Hepatitis Day 2026 generated strong national attention for viral hepatitis, helping drive awareness of testing, treatment and Australia's hepatitis elimination goals. Through a coordinated national and state-based media campaign, Hepatitis Australia and its partners secured coverage across print, online, radio and healthcare media in every state and territory.
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7.78 million total media reach
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178 media mentions across print, online and broadcast media
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96 newspapers carried the national AAP feature story
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96+ radio stations aired World Hepatitis Day radio grabs
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Coverage reached all eight states and territories
National coverage highlights
Australian Associated Press (AAP) ran an exclusive national story, Costing lives and billions: call to act on hepatitis, published on World Hepatitis Day and syndicated nationally.
The article combined lived experience and expert commentary, highlighting the results of Hepatitis Australia’s report: Pathway to Progress: The health and economic gains of 2030 viral hepatitis elimination.
The story featured lived experience advocate Vicki Bagnara, HepLink Nurse Practioner Chris Wallis, Hepatitis Australia CEO Lucy Clynes, and Hepatitis Australia Board Director Professor Jane Davies. Featured outlets included The Canberra Times, The West Australian, PerthNow, Newcastle Herald, Bendigo Advertiser.
Read the story in the Canberra Times
Hepatitis Australia also spoke on a national SBS story alongside the Burnet Institute and Hepatitis B Voices Australia. The story supported the You can't get hep B here campaign and awareness that hepatitis B is not transmitted through casual contact, but can be easily managed with regular care.
State and territory stories
Alongside national coverage, local media stories showcased the work of community hepatitis organisations and advocates across Australia.
Reaching healthcare professionals
Media reached clinicians and pharmacists through targeted healthcare media. Coverage in Pharmacy Daily and Medical Republic focused on the health and economic impacts of missing Australia's 2030 hepatitis elimination targets.
These stories reinforced a key message from Hepatitis Australia: "Hepatitis B can be managed, and hepatitis C can be cured."
On air across Australia
World Hepatitis Day radio content was picked up by more than 96 stations nationwide, reaching metropolitan, regional and remote audiences.
Key networks included:
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Australian Radio Network
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Southern Cross Austereo
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Capital Radio Network
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Super Radio Network (2SM)
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NRN/CBAA National News Affiliates
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CAAMA Radio, reaching more than 52 remote communities
Listen to Lucy Clynes, Hepatitis Australia's CEO on 2SM:
https://youtu.be/TDlpSkxMrbM
