[ADAPTED FROM] TREATMENT ACCESS FOR HEPATITIS C ACROSS

AUSTRALIA: MAPPING NEED AND CAPACITY 

Authors: MACLACHLAN JENNIFER1,2, KATELIN HAYNES3, VANESSA TOWELL3,

NICOLE ALLARD1,2, BENJAMIN COWIE1,2,5

1. WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute

2. Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne
3. Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
4. Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexual Health Medicine
5. Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital

Background/Approach:
Australia has a target to reduce newly acquired hepatitis C infections by 2022 by
60% and has committed to the World Health Organisation’s target to eliminate
Hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. With broad eligibility criteria in
Australia, a key focus is ensuring access for those affected and maximising uptake,
particularly in areas with a higher burden of disease or limited access to specialist
services.

Analysis/Argument:

The Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project assesses the relative burden of infection and
availability of potential hepatitis C prescribers by geographic region in the context of
current treatment trends and elimination goals. Identifying areas where prevalence is
high or engagement in care is low, provides the opportunity to engage with affected
communities, prioritise interventions and improve local service delivery in areas of
greatest need.

Outcome/Results:

Australia is not projected to meet the Fifth National Hepatitis C Strategy target of
65% treatment uptake by 2022. Prevalence of CHC varied substantially according to
Primary Health Network (PHN), being highest in Northern Territory (1.54%), Western
NSW (1.38%), and North Coast NSW (1.28%) PHNs, and lowest in Northern Sydney
(0.36%), Eastern Melbourne (0.44%), and Adelaide (0.50%) PHNs. Treatment
uptake was generally lower in areas of higher prevalence and in rural and remote
regions.

Conclusions/Applications:
Wide disparities exist in both burden of CHC and access to care within Australia.
Identifying areas of greatest need can guide the delivery of programmatic responses
in order to continue Australia’s concerted efforts to eliminate CHC as a public health
threat by 2030.

Disclosure of Interest Statement:

The authors have no relevant interests to disclose.