Each month, the Northern NSW HIV and Related Programs (HARP) team is conducting hepatitis C testing blitzes at a different location across the region, as part of the strategy to eliminate hepatitis C by 2028.
Hepatitis C is a virus that can cause inflammation of the liver. It is spread through blood-to-blood contact. Sharing injecting equipment, unsterile tattooing and body piercing or unsterile medical procedures are all risk factors for contracting hepatitis C.
There are very effective treatments available which have minimal side effects and a cure rate of over 95%.
“Finger prick, point of care testing means that clients can avoid the need for a standard blood test and receive a result in 15-60 minutes,” Kate Salisbury, Nursing Unit Manager, Northern NSW Liver Clinic, said.
“Any clients needing treatment for hepatitis C will be linked into care and management with the Northern NSW Liver Clinic or their GP.”
If hepatitis C is left untreated or unmanaged, there is a risk of liver scarring, also known as cirrhosis. Some people with chronic hepatitis and/or cirrhosis may have an increased risk of liver cancer and need regular testing and scans to check their liver.
Since February this year, 50 clients have been tested for hepatitis C at testing activations, with many more being tested in other settings.
Many clients have been provided with health information and informal referrals.
The HARP team includes Liver Clinic nurses, a social worker, Needle and Syringe Program workers, HARP Health Promotion workers and Hepatitis NSW peer workers.
“We are grateful to the services that have accommodated us so far, and we look forward to many more successful activations in 2024,” Kate said.
Pictured above: L-R- Micha Seufert (HepNSW), Deb Woodbridge (NC Harm Reduction/NSP) and Kate Salisbury (NNSW Liver Clinic)