World Hepatitis Testing week is more than a global campaign; it’s a wakeup call to look closer at what’s happening in our own backyard. While viral hepatitis is a well-known and treatable condition, too many Canberrans are still missing out on the care and support that could change and even save their lives.
So why are people holding back from getting tested or treated?
For many, lingering stigma plays a powerful role. Hepatitis was once unfairly labelled and misunderstood, and those old attitudes haven’t disappeared entirely. Some people still feel judged or ashamed to seek help, even though effective treatment and compassionate care are readily available.
The result? Fewer people are getting the treatment they need. According to ASHM’s 2023–24 Hepatitis C Report, national treatment uptake has dropped from between 20% to 45% annually since 2016- 2022 and within the ACT, rates sit 7.4% below the national average.1 The medical capacity is here, but the message still needs to reach those who need it most.
Why Testing Matters
Hepatitis B and C are blood-borne viruses that can cause serious liver damage over time – cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. The thing is, these infections are usually silent for years, even decades. You can feel perfectly fine while your liver is quietly being damaged.
Fortunately, testing and treatment have never been easier or more effective. Thanks to point-of-care testing (POCT), checking your hepatitis C status is now quick, accessible, and minimally invasive. A simple fingerstick test can determine whether an individual has ever been exposed to the virus by checking for antibodies and the results are available in just 5 to 10 minutes. If antibodies are detected, a follow-up RNA test using the same fingerstick method can determine whether the virus is still active. This result is then available within an hour at Hepatitis ACT.
While a positive result may feel overwhelming, hepatitis C is now treatable thanks to antiviral medications that have proven to be extremely successful with 95% of cases leading to a cure. We provide same day testing and treatment to help streamline and speed up the initiation of the 8-12 week antiviral treatments. In addition to this, the onsite nurse provides venepuncture for blood serology to determine the integrity of an individual’s liver and abdominal assessments to assess for any other comorbidities compromising an individual’s Liver health.
Hepatitis ACT, Community Outreach Nurse, Joe Pearson
Eliminating Viral Hepatitis Is Within Reach
Canberra is in a unique position to turn the tide on viral hepatitis. With strong vaccination programs, improved access to testing and treatment, and continued investment in community-led support, we have the tools to protect liver health and move closer to national and global elimination goals.
Hepatitis B vaccinations remains a powerful preventive measure, while advances in rapid hepatitis C testing and highly effective antiviral treatments mean more people can be cured sooner and with less complexity than ever before. Continued awareness, reduced stigma, and accessible healthcare pathways, particularly for communities most affected; will be key to ensuring no one is left behind. By staying informed, getting vaccinated when eligible, and accessing regular testing, individuals and communities alike can play an active role in ending viral hepatitis.
You Are Not Alone
We know that stigma, shame, and fear keep people from getting tested. A woman once told us she’d avoided testing for years because she worried her church community would find out. A man who’d been cured of hepatitis C was too embarrassed to come back when he was reinfected. “I thought you’d all think I was an idiot,” he said.
We don’t think that. We think people deserve care, dignity, and support. No matter what.
Testing is confidential. Our services are judgment-free. And we are here to help you navigate whatever comes next.
Vaccination: The Best Prevention
Vaccinations still remain one of the most effective tools in preventing and limiting the spread of viral hepatitis. Immunisations not only protect the individual but also contributes to community-wide immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks and helping Australia get closer to it’s goal of viral hepatitis elimination by 2030. Vaccines have drastically reduced the prevalence of new infections in Australia; the hepatitis B vaccines impact has been profound in this. The Australian Immunisation Handbook reports that the estimated prevalence of chronic hepatitis B in Australia was 0.9% in 2020 and since the rollout of the 4-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule in the year 2000 for infants, the rate of new infections has decreased three-fold. 2
There is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C, which is why testing is so crucial – especially if you have ever injected drugs, received a blood transfusion before 1990, or have other risk factors.
Get Tested This Week
From 17 to 23 November, it’s World Hepatitis Testing Week. But you don’t have to wait for a special week. Testing is available year-round at Hepatitis ACT!
If you can’t remember the last time you were tested, or if you’ve never been tested at all – now is your moment.
Australia can eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. Canberra can lead the way, it starts with a tiny drop of blood and a willingness to show up for your health.
Find out when we will be near you: Hepatitis ACT Outreach Services