-
News

Australia on target to eliminate hep C by 2026

February 20, 2017

Australia is on target to eliminate hepatitis C within 10 years due to the rapid uptake of a curative antiviral treatment program since its listing on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme (PBS) a year ago.

A Kirby Institute report released today supports predictions that the infectious disease would be eliminated as a major public health threat by 2026.

The report estimates that more than 30,000 patients out of the 230,000 Australians living with chronic hep C were treated with the new curative treatments in 2016.

Melanie Eagle, CEO, Hepatitis Victoria says the report highlights the progress made. “Nearly 15% of people have accessed cures, with over 7,000 of these in Victoria. The numbers of GPs who are prescribing is also increasing. It’s life changing. But more work needs to be done to eliminate hep C.

This includes increasing treatment for people as yet undiagnosed, those unaware of treatment availability, and marginalised people, including prisoners, indigenous Australians, and people who inject drugs.

We need to combine treatment, with increased efforts in prevention and stopping reinfection. Access to clean and safe injecting is also necessary for elimination.”

 

LiverLine
We are here to answer your queries and support you. Call or chat with us online.
LiverWELL acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
We welcome people from all cultures, nationalities and religions. Being inclusive and providing equitable services is our commitment.

ABN 48 656 812 701

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we work - the lands of the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We express our gratitude to them for their continued care and curation of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

LiverWELL observes and honours the Kulin Nation's intrinsic connection to land, sky and water, and the creator Bunjil. LiverWELL is committed to being led and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on bridging health outcomes for communities and improving liver health.