Data released in the latest Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: National Reports shows that Australia is more than 10 years behind meeting national targets around chronic hepatitis B treatment and care uptake.
The Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: National Report, Hepatitis B 2023, a collaboration between ASHM and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis at The Doherty Institute, shows substantial gaps across key measures compared to the 2022 targets set out in Australia’s Third National Hepatitis B Strategy 2018–2022:
- 24.5% of people living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were engaged in care (treatment or monitoring), compared to a target of 50%
- 12.6% of people living with CHB engaged in treatment, compared to a target of 20%
At the current rate of progress, it is projected that these 2022 targets will not be met until 2047 (proportion in care) and 2036 (proportion in treatment).
Alongside the hepatitis B report, the Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project has also released the most recent available treatment data on hepatitis C. The report shows that there continues to be a gap in hepatitis C treatment uptake due to geographic remoteness, health access disparities, and systematic inequalities, including the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
Alexis Apostolellis, CEO of ASHM, says that the reports are important in highlighting where greater investment and resources are needed most.
“We are proud of Australia’s hepatitis workforce for their continued dedication to proactively testing and treating viral hepatitis,” said Apostolellis.
“However, the latest Viral Hepatitis Mapping Reports show that we need improved access, community-tailored education and interventions, and culturally appropriate care to reach those in greatest need,” he said.
Jennifer MacLachlan, Senior Epidemiologist at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, says that services must reach everyone to curb potentially fatal complications of untreated chronic hepatitis, such as liver cancer.
“Failure to treat viral hepatitis is leading to an unacceptable burden of preventable liver cancer. This report provides key insights into where additional focus is needed, particularly in re-engaging those previously diagnosed but not receiving ongoing care,” said MacLachlan.
Lucy Clynes, CEO of Hepatitis Australia, says action must be taken with innovation and equity in mind to meet the targets of the upcoming Fourth National Hepatitis B Strategy 2023-2030 and eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
“With the next national strategy targets setting higher goals and the number of people living with hepatitis B in Australia increasing, the job to eliminate is getting bigger. A thousand people per year in Australia die as a result of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. We have to unlock new, innovative ways to support people affected by these conditions,” said Clynes.
“With the 2030 elimination deadline fast approaching, we have the opportunity now to ensure no-one is left behind in Australia’s response to blood-borne viruses.” The latest Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: National Reports can be accessed on the ASHM website: www.ashm.org.au/resource/viral-hepatitis-mapping-project/
