Alarming statistics have revealed that tens of thousands of Australians could unknowingly have Hepatitis B, sparking an urgent call for a national screening program.
Alarming Hepatitis B Statistics Spark Urgent Call for National Screening Program in Australia
In a startling revelation, recent statistics have indicated that tens of thousands of Australians may unknowingly be living with Hepatitis B, leading to an urgent call for a national screening program.
As of 2020, an estimated 222,559 Australians were reported to be living with chronic Hepatitis B (CHB), making up about 0.9% of the country’s population. However, it is now feared that these numbers may be significantly higher due to undiagnosed cases.
The prevalence of CHB infection ranges from 0.5–1% of adults in Australia, but this figure climbs up to 20% in certain demographics. This disparity in infection rates underscores the critical need for widespread testing and early diagnosis.
Experts argue that a significant proportion of Australians with CHB remain undiagnosed and unaware of their risk of liver disease and cancer. The lack of awareness and the asymptomatic nature of the disease in its early stages contribute to the high number of undetected cases.
The call for a national screening program comes as an urgent response to these alarming statistics. Such a program would aim to diagnose and treat Hepatitis B at an early stage, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Chinese immigrants in Australia, who are overrepresented among people with CHB, face particular challenges in accessing care. A national screening program could help address this health inequity and ensure that all Australians, regardless of their background, receive the necessary medical attention.
The Third National Hepatitis B Strategy 2018–2022 has already highlighted the need for additional research or modelling to more accurately estimate the proportion of people living with CHB in Australia. The recent statistics bolster the urgency of this recommendation.
As Australia grapples with the silent threat of Hepatitis B, the call for a national screening program has never been more pressing. It is hoped that such an initiative could prevent further spread of the disease and provide much-needed support to those unknowingly living with Hepatitis B.
Victorians Urged to Get Tested for Hepatitis Amid Rising Concerns
In a critical public health initiative, Victorians are being urged to know their hepatitis status through testing. This call comes as new research reveals an alarming 55,000 Australians may unknowingly have Hepatitis B.
In the face of these startling figures, health professionals and institutes such as the Cancer Council Victoria and the Doherty Institute are joining forces to encourage more Victorians to get tested. The urgency is further amplified by the potential for Hepatitis B to lead to serious health conditions, including liver cancer.
The push for increased testing aligns with the Victorian Hepatitis B strategy 2016–2020, which emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care for newly arrived Victorians, including vaccination and linkage into care as required.
The World Health Organization also supports this movement, advocating for increased access to testing for Hepatitis as a crucial step in managing this often-hidden infection. Many people with Hepatitis feel healthy and may not show symptoms, making testing the only reliable way to know one’s status.
Health.vic.gov.au further advises Victorians to consider Hepatitis A vaccinations, especially those travelling overseas or in occupations with a higher risk.
Moreover, the recent development of a Hepatitis C cure brings hope and highlights the importance of early detection. Treating Hepatitis C early can prevent ongoing transmission of the disease.
The current call for a national screening program aims to increase early detection rates and ensure that those affected receive the necessary care and treatment. Victorians are strongly encouraged to talk to their doctors and get tested, contributing to a healthier community and a proactive approach to this significant public health issue.
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