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13 May 2008
South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health backs national campaign for hepatitis
awareness
South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health (SESIH) will continue to lead the way
in hepatitis C treatment, education and prevention this month, as part of its
strong show of support for National Hepatitis Awareness Week.
Running from May 19 to 26 and coinciding with World Hepatitis Day (May 19),
National Hepatitis Awareness Week 2008 provides an opportunity for people to
become better informed about hepatitis C, and consider ways they can be more
sensitive to the needs of those living with the virus.
SESIH’s Coordinator of Blood Borne Infection Prevention Programs, Gary Gahan,
said the aim of the week was also to help address some of the stereotypes and
misinformation often associated with hepatitis C.
"The significant level of discrimination facing people living with hepatitis C
means it’s important to educate the public as much as we possibly can about the
virus," Mr Gahan said.
"Equally important is the need to educate those living with hepatitis C about
the treatment options available to them, to ensure they get the right
information at the right time."
Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus targeting the liver that can cause fatigue,
liver pain, depression and liver disease. There may be no symptoms at first, but
if left untreated, the virus may also lead to cirrhosis and, in some cases,
liver cancer decades later.
SESIH provides quality hepatitis prevention and treatment services through
clinics located at hospitals which include St Vincent’s, Prince of Wales, St
George, Wollongong and Shoalhaven.
Alarmingly, hepatitis C is a virus that effects almost a quarter of a million
Australians, but only about 2000 of those are currently receiving treatment.
Director of the SESIH Public Health Unit, Professor Mark Ferson, said there had
been a fall in recent years in the number of hepatitis C cases reported in
people living in the area serviced by SESIH.
"SESIH is shortly to begin an epidemiological study, which it is hoped will cast
more light on the pattern of acute cases of hepatitis C in the community,"
Professor Ferson said.
Anybody concerned about exposure to the hepatitis C virus should consult their
local GP, log onto www.aminumber12.org, or contact the Hepatitis C Council of
NSW at www.hepatitisc.org.au or on
1300 HEP ABC (1300 437 222).
Interview and photo opportunities will be available to the media upon request.
Media contact: Samantha Norris, 9382 8226 or 0421 618 793
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