Hepatitis ACT is bringing the liver health of Canberrans into focus this coming World Hepatitis Day, which takes place on Monday 28 July 2025.
“Looking after your liver is one of the simplest ways to protect your health. It starts with awareness and continues with prevention, testing and treatment,” said Hepatitis ACT CEO, Sarah Ahmed.
“This coming World Hepatitis Day is a great reminder to focus on your liver health and the liver health of friends and family members in your life. Which is why Hepatitis ACT is embarking on a local push for Canberrans to focus on their liver health, as we say – Good Liver, Good Life,” continued Ms Ahmed.
Hepatitis ACT’s Good Liver, Good Life campaign encourages Canberrans to learn more about hepatitis, understand the importance of testing, and take steps toward better liver health for themselves and their loved ones.
“At Hepatitis ACT, we are committed to a future where hepatitis is no longer a public health threat – right here in Canberra and around the world. That vision aligns with the World Health Organization’s goal to eliminate hepatitis B and C by 2030,” Ms Ahmed continued.
Hepatitis ACT reveals that one in three Canberrans living with hepatitis C haven’t been cured yet, and that it can easily be cured with one to three pills per day in just eight to twelve weeks.
“We’re so close to eliminating hepatitis C in the ACT –but we need the community’s help to finish the job,” Ms Ahmed continued.
When it comes to hepatitis B, Hepatitis ACT revealed that there are over 3000 people in the ACT living with chronic hepatitis B, and there are many more that don’t know they’re infected, and most are not getting the care that they need.
“While hepatitis B cannot be cured, it can be managed with the right care. As such, we urge Canberrans to be aware, prevent, test and treat,” said Ms Ahmed.
In the lead up to and on World Hepatitis Day, Hepatitis ACT is lighting up some of Canberra’s iconic buildings green – which is the internationally recognised colour for hepatitis awareness, symbolising renewal, growth and hope for a future free from hepatitis-related stigma and harm. Hepatitis ACT is also offering free coffee and a chat about liver health, getting their mascot O’liver out and about in the Canberra CBD and hosting a breakfast for invited community members all on World Hepatitis Day.
“We know not everyone has equal access to care – so we are bringing services into the community, to meet people where they are,” said Ms Ahmed. “Whether it’s a pop-up in Garema Place or a quiet moment over coffee, we are meeting people with dignity and zero judgement.”
Hepatitis ACT provides the following tips for Canberrans around safe ways to prevent hepatitis B and C:
- Get vaccinated for hepatitis B.
- Use new, sterile injecting equipment.
- Don’t share razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers.
- Use sterile equipment for tattoos, piercings and medical care.
- Practice safer sex – use condoms.
- If pregnant, get tested early.
- Get tested and treated if at risk of hepatitis B and C – testing for all hepatitis is available for free/low-cost throughout the ACT and surrounding region, rapid testing is quick, simple and available at the Hepatitis ACT office (eligibility terms and conditions apply)
“From stigma to strength, join Hepatitis ACT in rewriting the hepatitis narrative in Canberra. The ACT community really can work together, so please have a chat about hepatitis with a loved one in your life, and take positive steps to look after your liver health,” Ms Ahmed concluded.
For more information on Hepatitis ACT’s Good Liver, Good Life for World Hepatitis Day, visit www.hepatitisact.org.au/whd2025
Hepatitis ACT provides support and the help Canberrans need towards better liver health and well-being. Free call 1800 437 222 of 02 6230 6344. For more information, head to www.hepatitisact.org.au
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
Good Liver, Good Life and help from Hepatitis ACT
The Good Liver, Good Life campaign reflects a simple but powerful message: taking care of your liver is key to living well and it starts with awareness, prevention, testing and treatment.
Hepatitis ACT’s Good Liver, Good Life campaign encourages Canberrans to learn more about hepatitis, understand the importance of testing, and take steps toward better liver health for themselves and their loved ones.
It’s all part of Hepatitis ACT’s vision for better liver health and wellbeing for the ACT community, in line with the World Health Organization’s goal of eliminating hepatitis B and C by 2030.
For more information on Hepatitis ACT’s Good Liver, Good Life for World Hepatitis Day, visit www.hepatitisact.org.au/whd2025
Hepatitis ACT provides support and the help Canberrans need towards better liver health and well-being. Free call 1800 437 222 of 02 6230 6344. For more information, head to www.hepatitisact.org.au
Hepatitis in the ACT
- There are approximately 1068 people living with chronic hepatitis C in the ACT.
- There are an estimated 3160 people living with chronic hepatitis B in the ACT – and another estimated 1000 are undiagnosed.
(Source: ASHM 2023/2024)
Hepatitis nationally
- Since 2016, over 100,000 Australians have received curative hepatitis C treatments.
- There are around 70,000 hepatitis C cases in Australia.
About World Hepatitis Day
- World Hepatitis Day takes place on 28 July each year.
- This year’s World Hepatitis Day will be on Monday 28 July.
- This year’s theme is ‘let’s break it down’– and is a great reminder to focus on your liver health and the liver health of friends and family members in your life.
- More information at Australia’s World Hepatitis Day 2025
About hepatitis B
- While hepatitis B cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed through regular check-ups and treatment to reduce liver damage.”
- Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- There is an effective vaccine available to prevent it.
- Treatment is available to help manage chronic hepatitis B and reduce the risk of liver disease.
- In Australia, more than 200,000 people are living with chronic hepatitis B.
- Three-quarters of people living with hepatitis B are not receiving regular care, increasing their risk of liver disease and liver cancer.
- Quick testing is available for hepatitis B and C – results can be provided in under an hour.
About hepatitis C
- Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
- It is preventable and now has an effective, affordable cure.
- Testing is quick. Treatment is simple. What are you waiting for?
- Even if reinfected, hepatitis C can be cured again.
- There are around 70,000 hepatitis C cases in Australia.
- One in five people with chronic hepatitis C have not been diagnosed.
- Needle and syringe programs (NSPs) in correctional settings can help prevent hepatitis C transmission.
- Australia must take action to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 through enhanced outreach, testing, and treatment services.
For more information on Hepatitis ACT’s Good Liver, Good Life for World Hepatitis Day, visit www.hepatitisact.org.au/whd2025