WANADA's Hepatitis C Treatment Project
WANADA is working with Peer Based Harm Reduction WA and alcohol and other drug services throughout the state to increase access to testing and treatment for hepatitis C, thanks to the Western Australian Department of Health
WANADA’s hepatitis C virus (HCV) project was funded for the initial phase by The Paul Ramsay Foundation, as part of the Eliminate Hepatitis C Australia Partnership co-ordinated by the Burnet Institute.
WANADA is now facilitating further upskilling of alcohol and other drug workers on hepatitis C as part of the project and will continue to support the alcohol and other drug service sector to apply the HCV Capability Assessment/Review Tool (CAT).
Building on the success of work with participating organisations, WANADA is extending the project to organisations throughout Western Australia.
Highly effective treatment for hepatitis C has been available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme since 2016. However, according to the Burnet Institute, many people living with hepatitis C remain untreated, and at serious risk of liver disease, cancer, and premature death.
Specialist alcohol and other drug services are uniquely placed to engage current and past injecting drug users, access peer networks, and reduce barriers to treatment (ensuring equity of access for hard to reach populations).
WANADA believes that addressing the alcohol and other drug sector’s hepatitis C responsiveness will also allow for subsequent consideration of Hepatitis C by related sectors, such as homelessness.
WANADA’s Hepatitis C Treatment Project is overseen by Sector Quality Manager Rochelle McIntosh , with Consultant Tabetha McCallum engaging with services.
More Information
For more information, please contact WANADA on (08) 6557 9400 or via [email protected].