The magnitude of hepatitis B (HBV) is enormous. Nearly 300 million people worldwide have chronic infection which can trigger liver damage leading to hepatitis B related liver cirrhosis or cancer and the death of nearly 900,000 people each year. 

Media Release – 4 December 2018 

Peak HIV, viral hepatitis, sexual health and community organisations today welcomed the release of five new National Blood Borne Virus (BBV) and Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI) Strategies by the Australian government. 

The peak organisations were closely involved and consulted heavily in the development of the strategies, ensuring they provide a strong platform for a high quality and coordinated national response to BBVs and STIs over the coming five years. 

As a proud supporter of the Recognise Health initiative of the Lowitja Institute – which promotes understanding of the important link between health and wellbeing and constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – Hepatitis Australia calls on all Australians to support recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has extended the deadline for opting out of the Government's contentious My Health Record system.

Hepatitis Australia has always recognised the considerable benefit of the My Health Record to many people with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, cancer, heart disease and liver disease. 

However, given the final form of the My Health Record system will not receive parliamentary backing before the scheduled end of the opt out period on 15 November 2018, Hepatitis Australia fully supports moves to amend the legislation extending the opt out period by 12 months.

Rural health experts are concerned the Federal Government has overlooked how individuals and medical practitioners will manage a digital health record in areas with little internet connectivity.

The Senate yesterday demanded an extension of the deadline to opt out of the My Health Record until amendments can be made to the law to strengthen privacy provisions.