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Stories

HEP Hero Youhorn Chea

August 30, 2018

Youhorn Chea 

Greater Dandenong Mayor 

As the Greater Dandenong Mayor and a hepatitis C sufferer, I’m hoping by sharing my story I can reach out to the wider community to help them understand the seriousness of this disease and the treatment options available.

The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B in Greater Dandenong is the second highest in Victoria, and reports of chronic hepatitis C are twice the rate of the state average.

Added to these statistics is the fact that liver disease often remains hidden and undetected so, for me, taking leadership in liver health is very important.

I am the current Mayor for Greater Dandenong having served as a Councillor since 1997. I am also the President of the Cambodian Association of Vic and former President of the Australian Cambodian Federation.

I am a widowed Father of 4 with 6 grandchildren. My late wife, Uchchara was a carrier of Hep B and I have successfully received treatment for hepatitis C.

When the Khmer Rouge took power in Cambodia, my family was sent to the concentration camp where we were forced to carry out hard labour. We were hungry and thirsty and very hot. I drank unclean water from the rice fields.

Years later when my family arrived safely in Australia, I was tested and diagnosed with hepatitis C. Through treatment and ongoing monitoring I have been given the all clear. I’m one of the lucky ones. Every day for as long as I can remember, I focus on being as healthy as I can.

There is a stigma surrounding viral hepatitis that prevents people from talking to their families, getting tested or treated, or seeking support.

By educating communities, we encourage them to make lifestyle choices to improve their health, protect their liver and help prevent serious liver damage, prevent viral transmission to others, and most importantly to seek treatment.

Youhorn’s message to others:

Education starts with us. There are vaccines to protect against hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis C is now curable in the vast majority of cases, and hepatitis B can be managed. But first it has to be detected and then treated.

Don’t delay seeing your Doctor. Blood tests can determine whether you have viral hepatitis, and if so, which kind. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take steps to protect yourself and others.

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