National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and Hepatitis Australia
World Hepatitis Day 2026
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C remain major health issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with many people unaware they have the virus or missing out on regular care that can prevent serious liver disease.
This World Hepatitis Day, NACCHO and Hepatitis Australia are encouraging all communities to “Take the Next Step” by having a yarn with a trusted health worker, asking for a hepatitis B and hepatitis C test, checking their hepatitis B vaccination status or returning for regular liver checks.
Local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) can provide culturally safe testing, vaccination, treatment and ongoing care close to home, helping people take the next step without having to navigate the health system alone.
Strong progress has already been made. In 2024, hepatitis B vaccination coverage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants reached 93 per cent, close to the national rate of 93.5 per cent. In the Northern Territory, the Hep B PAST program has achieved hepatitis B care and treatment rates more than twice the national average through community leadership, ACCHOs, specialist care and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
The next step is ensuring every person knows their hepatitis status and can access the care they need. Hepatitis B can be prevented and managed with vaccination, regular liver checks and treatment when needed, while hepatitis C can usually be cured with tablets in eight to 12 weeks.
For free, confidential information, advice, and support, call HepLink Australia on 1800 437 222 or visit heplink.au.
NACCHO CEO Dr Dawn Casey PSH FAHA said:
“‘Take the Next Step’ works for community because it respects that people are at different points. It asks one practical question: what can I do next for my liver health?”
“For one person, that may be a yarn with a trusted health worker. For another, it may be a test, a vaccination, a regular liver check or starting treatment. Whatever your next step, your ACCHO will walk with you, helping you take it, supporting you through what comes next and keeping you connected to care.”
“No one should have to navigate care alone. Governments’ next step is to resource ACCHOs to make prevention, testing and treatment part of everyday primary health care in every region.”
NACCHO Medical Advisor Dr Megan Campbell said:
“Every person should know their hepatitis B status. People who are not immune can be vaccinated, while people living with hepatitis B can be connected to regular liver checks and treatment when needed. Hepatitis C is different: it can be easily cured, usually with eight to 12 weeks of tablets.”
“These tests are not automatically included in routine blood work. If you are unsure, ask your ACCHO for a hepatitis B and hepatitis C test. Your health worker can then help you decide the next step.”
Hepatitis Australia CEO Lucy Clynes said:
“Across Australia, nearly 300,000 people, including thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, are living with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C.”
“Hepatitis can seriously damage your liver, and many people simply don’t know they have it until it’s too late.
“Getting tested is the only way to know. Early diagnosis and regular care can prevent serious liver disease and save lives.”
“Together, we’ve achieved incredible results in reducing the incidence of hepatitis in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“It’s now time to ‘Take the Next Step’, get tested, and look after your liver.”
Your next step
- Know your hepatitis B status: ask your ACCHO for a hepatitis B test and, if you are not immune, about vaccination.
- If you are living with hepatitis B, keep up regular liver checks, usually every six to 12 months, and treatment if recommended.
- Ask your ACCHO for a hepatitis C test or call HepLink for a telehealth appointment. If you are living with hepatitis C, tablets can easily cure it, usually in eight to 12 weeks.
The health system’s next step
- Document every client’s hepatitis B status, vaccinate people who are not immune, and connect people living with hepatitis B to ongoing care.
- Maintain high infant hepatitis B vaccination coverage, including timely birth doses.
- Actively offer hepatitis C testing and provide curative treatment to people diagnosed with hepatitis C.
For free, confidential information, advice, and support, call HepLink Australia on 1800 437 222 or visit heplink.au. HepLink’s hepatitis C telehealth service connects people directly to testing and curative treatment without a referral.
