Happy New Year from LiverWELL!
In 2024, our goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030 is more important than ever. Hepatitis can’t wait – and there is still work to be done to ensure we stay on track. So this year we aim to amplify the the voices of those affected by hepatitis and raise awareness to aid in the elimination of viral hepatitis.
More than 1.1 million people die from hepatitis B and C every year. Over 200 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis B, but only 2% of those are receiving treatment. For hepatitis C, which has a cure, only 21% of the 58 million people worldwide who are affected by the disease are diagnosed, and fewer than two-thirds of those are on treatment.
Nonetheless, despite the scale of the problem, remarkable progress is being made against viral hepatitis. The number of people receiving treatment for hepatitis C increased nine-fold between 2015 and 2019. Between 2014 and 2020, Egypt, which had the highest rates of hepatitis in the world, screened 50 million people and is poised to eliminate hepatitis C within its borders.
We can make a difference in Australia by raising awareness of hepatitis B and C. Let’s work together this year to get tested, and seek treatment. Talk to your doctor about your liver health if you feel concerned.
LiverWELL is excited to embark on this journey with all of you by hosting forums, education sessions, community programs and more.
Be sure to watch this space and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and TikTok to stay updated with the latest LiverWELL announcements.
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.