Report type:
Research program:
Year published:
2021
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Description:
The first report to provide an account of progress of hepatitis C elimination among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as framed by global and national strategies. Progress is measured by service coverage indicators (including hepatitis C testing and treatment; harm reduction coverage) and impact targets (including new hepatitis C infections; hepatitis C related morbidity and mortality). An estimate of the hepatitis C cascade of care, including the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic hepatitis C at end 2020 is provided. Recommendations to enhance hepatitis C elimination among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are proposed.
Key findings:
- At end 2020, an estimated 117,810 Australians were living with chronic hepatitis C of whom 18% (21,548) were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Unrestricted access to government subsidised direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C has seen large numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people treated and some declines in hepatitis C related liver failure and mortality.
- Although hepatitis C testing and diagnosis proportions are high, findings highlight gaps in treatment uptake and harm reduction coverage, including new hepatitis C infections, of particular concern among young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
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