As World Hepatitis Testing Week approaches on 18 November, Hepatitis ACT urges the community to get tested for viral hepatitis and learn their status. With over 5,000 Canberrans potentially living with hepatitis B or C without knowing it, testing is the critical first step in the fight against this disease.

Testing is the only way to know if you have hepatitis C, and it’s easier than ever to get tested. In Canberra, there are two sites where you can get a quick and easy hepatitis C test using Point-of-Care Testing (POCT). These sites are at Hepatitis ACT (36 David St, Turner) and CAHMA (Level 1, Belconnen Churches Centre Cnr Cohen St &, Benjamin Way, Belconnen). Together, we are helping more people find out their hepatitis status so they can get the treatment they need.

By encouraging the community to get tested, the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 inches closer. Campaigns like World Hepatitis Testing Week highlight the vital role testing plays in this mission.

“World Hepatitis Testing Week serves as a vital reminder of the importance of early detection and testing. By encouraging everyone, especially those at higher risk, to get tested, we can take significant strides toward eliminating hepatitis B and C in our communities,” says Sarah Ahmed, Executive Director of Hepatitis ACT.

Accessing treatment begins with testing, which is often easy, quick, and available at low or no cost. Serving the entire Canberra region, Hepatitis ACT offers on-location Point of Care Testing, allowing community members to be tested in a safe, judgement-free environment. Results are typically available within an hour, and anyone receiving a positive result will be provided with treatment options and ongoing support from our compassionate team of experts.

“At Hepatitis ACT, we are committed to providing accessible testing services and support for individuals affected by viral hepatitis. This week let’s come together to break the stigma around testing and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to know their status,” adds Ahmed.

At Hepatitis ACT, you can get tested from Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm. They also offer education workshops, a GP clinic, peer support, advocacy, and referrals.

For more information, call them on 1800 437 222 or visit them at 36 David Street, Turner.

There are still many myths surrounding viral hepatitis, so here are some quick facts:

• Chroni8c hepatitis B is not curable; however, there are treatment options and a vaccination available that consists of three injections over six months.
• Hepatitis C is curable, but there is no vaccination.
• Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer, with 8 in 10 diagnoses linked to the virus, according to data from the Cancer Council.
• Hepatitis B is the most common blood-borne virus (BBV) worldwide.
• More than 5,000 Canberrans are living with hepatitis B or C, often without symptoms.
• Testing for viral hepatitis is not part of routine blood tests.
• Hepatitis ACT offers testing to the community for free (for Medicare holders).

This World Hepatitis Testing Week, Hepatitis ACT encourages everyone to get tested to protect themselves, their loved ones, and future generations.