WA Health has launched the 2026 Look After Your Blood campaign to encourage Western Australians to get tested early and regularly for blood-borne viruses, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
Blood-borne viruses remain an ongoing public health issue in Western Australia, with Aboriginal people experiencing disproportionately high rates of hepatitis C.
Early testing and treatment are key to protecting individuals, families and communities.
Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Huppatz said the campaign is focused on practical steps people can take to reduce risk and access care early.
"Looking after your blood means protecting yourself, your family and your community," Dr Huppatz said.
"If you've ever shared needles or had unprotected sex with potential exposure to blood, you could be at risk of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV, but the only way to know is to get tested.
"Left untreated, blood-borne viruses can be passed on to others and lead to serious illness.
"Early diagnosis and treatment improve health outcomes and reduce transmission."
How to protect yourself from blood-borne viruses:
- If you inject drugs, use a new needle and syringe (freshie) and your own spoon, swabs, filters, sterile water and tourniquets every time, and never share with anyone—including friends and family.
- If you are getting a tattoo or piercing, make sure the equipment is new and not previously used on anyone else, and only go to a professional studio.
- When having vaginal or anal sex, always use condoms and water-based lubricant.
- Consider getting a hepatitis B vaccination.
People who inject drugs or have unprotected sex where exposure to another person's blood may have occurred are encouraged to get a simple blood test through a trusted healthcare provider, such as a doctor, Aboriginal Medical Service or community health service.
Testing is a critical and simple step to prevent blood-borne viruses. Early diagnosis enables access to effective medicines, reduces the chance of transmitting a virus to others, and improves health outcomes.
The campaign aligns with the Western Australian Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Strategy 2024–2030, which aims to eliminate hepatitis C and HIV as public health concerns by 2030.
