World Hepatitis Day 2024
26 July 2024
World Hepatitis Day is 28 July. This year’s theme, ‘It’s time for action,’ reminds us that there’s never been a better time to get tested.
Hepatitis (hep) means inflammation, or swelling, of the liver. Almost 300,000 people in Australia are living with hep B or hep C, putting them at increased risk of liver disease and liver cancer.
Hep B and hep C are blood borne viruses (BBVs), meaning they can be passed when blood containing the virus enters the blood of another individual. Hep B can also be transmitted during sex and during childbirth.
Fortunately, there are a range of treatments that make it possible for people with a hep B, hep C and other blood-borne viruses to live long and healthy lives.
Hep B has effective treatment and a vaccine, and hep C has a cure and is preventable. For more information, read about blood-borne viruses or go to Look After Your Blood (external site).
There are lots of places where you can get tested for BBVs. Go to a health service where you feel comfortable or find a service (external site).
The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can get treatment. Look after your blood.
For more on World Hepatitis Day, visit World Hepatitis Day (external site). For local information and support on viral hepatitis, visit HepatitisWA (external site) or call the National Hepatitis Infoline on 1800 437 222.
HepatitisWA Helplines:
- Metro: (08) 9328 8538
- Country: 1800 800 070