Viral hepatitis damages the liver, is a potentially deadly disease affecting 2% of the community. And yet it is preventable, and we need a greater reponse to that more people are tested and treated.
Stigma and discrimination is a pressing issue for many people with viral hepatitis and can have a wide-ranging impact on both their own health as well as the community as a whole. When people feel stigmatised, it may affect their ability to access the services that they need.
It is illegal is Australia to discriminate against anybody on the basis of their hepatitis status – whether hepatitis B or hepatitis C. However, many people with hepatitis continue to report facing negative attitudes and suspicion within their communities and this may lead to them choosing not to disclose their hepatitis status - keeping hepatitis hidden in the community.
Hepatitis Victoria works to stop the stigma related to hepatitis by striving to educate the community about the virus and to empower people with hepatitis to become self-advocates and to redress any discrimination they may have experienced – including working with them for the duration of any legal cases.
We provides training on best practice around hepatitis in relation to infection control procedures and OH&S guidelines. We also have a Public Speakers Bureau so you can book speakers who will share their lived experience.
Hepatitis Victoria also provides advice and expertise to government and other influential bodies on matters relating to hepatitis.
For more information see www.hepvic.org.au, or phone our Infoline on 1800703003, or contact us on admin@hepvic.org.au