On 27th July Rotary Melbourne celebrated World Hepatitis Day with a return presentation delivered by Prof Margaret Hellard AM, Deputy Director (Programs), Burnett Institute & Frank Carlus, LiverWELL.
We learned that the case for de-stigmatising Hepatitis and promoting low cost and effective treatments is more compelling than if was, even in 2019 when under Past President Kevin Sheehan, we learned about the emerging treatment regimes and the need to increase awareness among many sufferers who are undiagnosed. We learned that 60.5% of hepatitis C sufferers remain untreated, and the number of people seeking treatment is in decline. There are currently nearly 130,000 people in Australia and 46,000 in Victoria living with Hepatitis C.
The story is similar for Hepatitis B sufferers. More than 225,000 Australians and 67,000 Victorians currently suffer from Hepatitis B, leading to more than 400 deaths annually from Hepatitis B in Australia. While there is as yet no cure for Hepatitis B it is manageable and this is necessary to prevent liver disease. It is preventable through an effective vaccine.
Many of us who attended the meeting were able to take the 20 minute swab test administered in Liverwell’s mobile testing van and experience the simple, non invasive testing method.
Professor Hellard delivered an engaging address on the importance of informing the community and promoting access to vaccines and effective treatments. Rotary Melbourne continues to play a leading role working with Liverwell to promote awareness through other Rotary Clubs.
If you would like to view the video of the whole meeting you can do so by clicking this Link: https://youtu.be/BwP__A5nNw0. If you just want to check out the speaker presentation the following link to the Rotary Melbourne Speaker series is on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YJoxMAv78So.
Report by Past President Reg Smith
