Australia leading world in hepatitis C treatment; but virus more prevalent in Aboriginal people

Australia leading world in hepatitis C treatment; but virus more prevalent in Aboriginal people

Source: ABC Australia

More people are on track to be cured of hepatitis C in Australia this year than over the past two decades combined, new research has shown.

A University of New South Wales Kirby Institute report shows about 230,000 people were living with hepatitis C across the country last year, but only one in five received treatment.

Hepatitis C is transferred by blood-to-blood contact and is often spread by sharing drug injecting equipment.

An oral anti-viral treatment, with a cure rate over 90 per cent, was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in March, and more than 26,000 people have accessed help since.

Professor Gregory Dore said the report results put Australia far ahead of other nations.


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By Heba Kassoua



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