Hepatitis Australia has today welcomed the Australian Government's investment in viral hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment measures and community-led initiatives announced in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO).
The national Hepatitis peak said that the additional funding comes at a critical moment in Australia's push to eliminate hepatitis B and hepatitis C by 2030 and will help prevent avoidable illness, liver cancer and deaths.
Hepatitis Australia CEO Lucy Clynes said that the MYEFO funding commitment demonstrated that the Australian Government recognises what is at stake.
"This funding announcement is good news for nearly 300,000 Australians living with viral hepatitis, many of whom may be unaware they carry the virus.
"Viral hepatitis is often silent, but if left untreated, can lead to severe liver damage or liver cancer, as well as a range of other illnesses.
"Fortunately, hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination and manageable with modern medicines, and hepatitis C is now curable. Continued investment in a range of measures and working closely with community organisations to reach key population groups, will ensure more Australians are protected, diagnosed early and connected to care."
Australia has already achieved world-leading success in driving down hepatitis C infections and reducing hepatitis related deaths. Yet, we still have tens of thousands of Australians who need testing, treatment or ongoing care.
"The funding measures contained in MYEFO will ensure our efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis stay on track."
Ms Clynes said that Australia has made significant gains in recent years in the fight against viral hepatitis.
"Hepatitis C cures now exceed 95 per cent effectiveness. This breakthrough has dramatically improved the quality of life for those living with the virus, enabling thousands to be cured quickly and safely while significantly reducing the long-term burden on the health system.
"Our public health campaigns, like the ABC for the New You campaign, just launched last month, are crucial to reaching thousands of undiagnosed Australians.
"Similarly, the hepatitis B vaccine program has prevented countless infections and remains one of Australia's safest and most effective childhood vaccines."
Hepatitis Australia President Professor Joseph Doyle said the renewed investment contained in MYEFO is vital as Australia continues the fight to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030.
"Eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 is achievable, but only if we maintain momentum. Early detection, vaccination and effective treatment are all proven interventions that save lives and reduce the burden on our health system.
"In a global environment where misinformation is undermining confidence in vaccination and prevention, it is more important than ever that governments, clinicians and communities keep the pressure on. Australia cannot afford to take a step back now."
Hepatitis Australia says the MYEFO funding will support continued action to:
boost community-led initiatives
expand awareness and testing
improve access to antiviral treatment
strengthen hepatitis B vaccination and care pathways
reduce preventable deaths from liver cancer and liver disease
Lucy Clynes said that Hepatitis Australia looks forward to working with the Australian Government, health professionals and community partners to ensure the investment is deployed where it will have the greatest impact.
"Every person vaccinated, every person cured and every person linked to ongoing care brings Australia one step closer to elimination.
"We are pleased that funding measures contained in the MYEFO give us the tools we need to keep moving forward."
