PSA and Gilead support WHO’s 2030 hepatitis target

Pharma News: The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and Gilead Sciences recognise World Hepatitis Day and support the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) commitment to eliminating chronic Hepatitis C virus as a public health threat by 2030.

In Australia, 36% of people living with Hepatitis C remain undiagnosed, and only 8% of those diagnosed are receiving treatment. Given this, the PSA and Gilead believes action must be taken to raise awareness of Hepatitis C in targeted populations.

Jaime McCoy, General Manager Gilead Sciences Australia and New Zealand, commented “Since Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) were listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in 2016, Australia has been recognised as a world leader in the elimination of Hepatitis C virus, with more than 85,000 patients being treated and cured of their disease. This is a truly amazing result that all of us in the healthcare industry should recognise.

“Gilead is so proud to work in this area and see the impact that has been achieved towards Hepatitis C virus elimination in Australia but to ensure we hit the WHO 2030 target, we can’t lose momentum. Right now in 2021 there are still 129,000 Australians yet to receive curative treatment for this life-threatening virus.

“We must increase education about Hepatitis C virus and the availability of effective treatment, particularly in populations at risk. We also need to continue to address the Hepatitis C virus stigma, even with those within the health sector and ultimately, we need to increase Hepatitis C virus testing rates and ensure we link people to care so they too can access curative treatment,” she added.

PSA WA Branch President, Dr Fei Sim, discussed how pharmacists can support the 2030 target.

“There are 9 years to go until the WHO’s 2030 deadline is reached, and although much progress has been made towards elimination, there are still gaps in awareness, screening and access to treatment.

“Local pharmacists are well-placed to offer public health initiatives that support the early identification and treatment of Hepatitis C, as well as ongoing patient self-care.

“Australian pharmacists can make a significant contribution to the 2030 target by raising Hepatitis C awareness, facilitating screening, providing referrals to access the appropriate antiviral treatments (particularly in rural and remote Australia) through collaborative arrangements and the implementation of self-care programs.”

Dr Sim went on to discuss the progress that is being made in combatting Hepatitis C.

“PSA’s WA Branch has partnered with Hepatitis WA and Curtin University on a project and campaign, ‘Hero Your Local Pharmacist’, which promotes the impactful role pharmacists can play in the elimination of the virus.

“In NSW, an initiative that supports the early identification of Hepatitis C and treatment with direct acting anti-viral agents is already in progress.” Dr Sim concluded.

WHO recently launched first-ever global guidance for countries seeking to validate elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as a public health problem. WHO also, released first guidelines on hepatitis C virus self-testing, which  strongly recommend offering self-testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) as an additional approach to HCV testing services.