Pharmacy Daily | Pharmacists key in hep B and C testing

WORLD Hepatitis Day was marked this week, highlighting the need for better awareness of the risk factors for hepatitis B and C, increased testing and access to treatment, with a key role for pharmacies.

Around 300,000 Australians live with viral hepatitis, however approximately half of those either do not know they have hepatitis, or are not getting the treatment they need, according to Hepatitis Australia.

Hepatitis can cause scarring and liver disease, and is the leading cause of liver cancer.

While treatments are available, awareness is the issue, said Professor Joseph Doyle, President of Hepatitis Australia.

"The key for driving better awareness of hepatitis B and C is that we want people to understand the risk factors and get tested if they're at risk," Prof Doyle told Pharmacy Daily.

"People access healthcare through pharmacies possibly more than through other services, so they are ideally placed for public healthcare interventions with those who may not regularly visit a GP or health service," Prof Doyle said.

Community pharmacies around the country have been getting involved with pilot projects that aim to increase hepatitis B and C testing using point-of-care finger-stick tests.

Professor Doyle highlighted the Expand-C project, which is looking to get at least 100 community pharmacies that already dispense opioid replacement therapy on board.

"Eligible patients who consent to testing will receive harm minimisation information and a finger-stick blood test, with further testing and treatment plans offered to those who need it," he said.

Hepatitis Australia also leads a national program called Heplink, an advice and support line both for people with hepatitis and also health practitioners, including pharmacists who want help and advice on how to manage people with the diseases.

"Information and support is free of charge, and you don't need a Medicare card, and that is something that can certainly help pharmacists and their clients," Prof Doyle said.

Meanwhile, National Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations (NACCHO) and Hepatitis Australia are calling for urgent national action on hepatitis B and C, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities disproportionately affected by the two diseases.

"Every day, ACCHOs prove what's possible when you back local leadership," said NACCHO Chair, Donnella Mills.

"When we're supported to lead, the results are clear: health outcomes improve, and gaps start to close."

NACCHO and Hepatitis Australia are calling for the backing of ACCHOs and communities to drive prevention, testing, treatment and care, as well as investment in proven programs like the Hep B PAST program in the NT.

"As a country, we can't claim progress if the most affected communities are still missing out," Mills concluded. KB

* Click HERE to learn more about Expand-C.

* Phone Heplink on 1800 437 222, or visit www.heplink.au.