With today marking World Hepatitis Day, there is a renewed emphasis on breaking down the stigma of the virus and reminding carriers that there is treatment available.

The release and now widespread availability of highly effective medicines to treat hepatitis C means that cure rates of 95 per cent are now possible. Experienced hepatitis C treatment provider Dr Andrew Jackson said there was still a way to go in raising awareness in Northern Tasmania.

“I estimate that in the North, there are around 1300 people infected with hepatitis C,” he said.

“The Department of Health reports that in our area only 176 people have been cured, which means a lot of people remain at risk of continuing infection.”

Among the 176 to have benefited from the treatment was Lisa* who was diagnosed with Hep C 12 months ago. She said her initial feeling of shock and embarrassment subsided as she began the treatment.

“I was feeling better just weeks after my treatment began,” she said.

“I would implore anyone who has been involved in any sort of risky behaviour to get checked out, if only for their peace of mind.”

In more good news for hepatitis sufferers, the Federal Health Minister has announced that the first pan-genotypic antiviral, Epclusa® would be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from August 1.

The new therapy is more than 90 per cent effective in achieving a cure within 12 weeks, regardless of hepatitis C genotype. 

While hepatitis medicines are now subsidised by the PBS, CEO of Hepatitis Australia Helen Tyrrell warned that access to the cures is only part of the solution.

“Affordable access to curative therapies is critical but the real world value of these medical miracles is entirely reliant on people being aware of them and accessing them,” she said.

“We need more GPs, in particular, talking to people about  hepatitis C and feeling confident prescribing the appropriate treatment.”

Ms Tyrrell’s warning comes as new data from the Kirby Institute reveals that almost 40,000 people have commenced treatment with new hepatitis C antivirals since the initial PBS listing in March 2016.

*The interviewee’s name has been changed.