Connecting with Chinese & Vietnamese Communities

With funding from HepLink, Hepatitis Australia, LiverWELL delivered more than 22 targeted outreach activities to Chinese and Vietnamese communities across Victoria. The program included education sessions for mothers’ groups, seniors’ groups, social support networks, women in prison, and community events.

The sessions focused on hepatitis B and C, liver cancer prevention, and positive liver health, providing practical information on transmission, prevention, testing, vaccination, and ongoing care. Participants were encouraged to speak with their doctors, as well as family and community members, about liver health and viral hepatitis.

A key feature of the sessions was the interactive question-and-answer segment, which provided a safe and supportive environment for attendees to seek clarification, share experiences, and discuss concerns. Participants frequently expressed surprise to hear about the cure for hepatitis C and asked about symptoms and testing access. Many participants also spoke about their own lived experiences of hepatitis B or the impact of hepatitis B on family members. Discussions frequently highlighted longstanding misconceptions and confusion about hepatitis B, often reflecting information received before and after migrating to Australia.

Common questions included whether hepatitis B booster vaccinations are required after completing a vaccination course, and whether individuals should still undergo hepatitis B testing if routine liver function tests appear normal. These conversations provided valuable opportunities to reinforce current clinical guidance and encourage informed discussions with healthcare providers.

Programs such as these play an important role in Australia’s efforts to eliminate hepatitis B and hepatitis C as public health threats. Community engagement helps reduce stigma, improve health literacy, and build trust in healthcare services, supporting earlier diagnosis and better health outcomes.

LiverWELL sincerely thanks its many community partners and collaborators for their support in engaging multicultural communities and promoting liver health awareness across Victoria:

• Chinese Cancer and Chronic Illness Society of Victoria
• Whittlesea Chinese Association
• Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association
• Ethnic Community Council of Victoria
• Seniors Happy Life Club inc.
• Victorian Chinese Culture and Arts Association Inc.
• Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS)
• Home Away from Home Chinese Seniors Group
• Vietnamese Elderly Group Collingwood
• Darebin City Council
• Monash Chinese Events Organising Committee Inc (Glen Waverley Lunar New Year & Lantern Festival 2026)
• Springvale Neighbourhood House (Harmony Day Event)
• CoHealth
• Western Health
• ADEC (Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities Inc
• aPic Kreative