Prior to the introduction of Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) therapy, hepatitis C affected more than 250,000 Australians resulting in up to 630 deaths from liver cancer and liver failure each year.
Due to the result of the introduction of DAA treatments and the associated high cure rates, the number of people estimated to be still living with hepatitis C at the end of 2023 – 68,890.
In Australia, of the estimated 74, 400 people living with hepatitis C, 20% of people do not know they have the virus. An estimated 60,240 people have been diagnosed with hepatitis C but have not been cured. Treatment is more than 95% effective at curing hepatitis C. Despite Australia’s progress, data from this year’s report show that declines in testing and treatment have been substantial over recent years; without a reinvigoration of efforts to prevent new infections, and an increase in the number of people diagnosed and treated, Australia will not achieve its elimination goals.
There are many benefits of testing and treating people for hepatitis C:
The World Health Organization has set a target to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Elimination is defined as a 90% reduction in new chronic infections and a 65% reduction in mortality, compared with the 2015 baseline. To do this, we need to increase the testing and treatment of people who have hepatitis C. By participating in this program, you will be helping us work towards this goal.
Whilst the Australian Department of Health provides financial assistance to ASHM, the material contained in this resource produced by ASHM should not be taken to represent the views of the Australian Department of Health. The content of this resource is the sole responsibility of ASHM Health.
Acknowledgement of Country
ASHM acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country across the various lands on which we live and work. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection to land, water, and community and we pay our respects to Elders past and present. ASHM acknowledges Sovereignty in this country has never been ceded. It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.
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