The National Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Australia, assessing geographic variation in prevalence, management, and treatment. The data and analysis can be used to inform targeted awareness and intervention campaigns localised to suit the needs of people living with CHB and CHC and those providing services to them.
The Project is a joint initiative of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute and ASHM, and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health.
Project objectives
Localised priority-setting is a key objective of recent healthcare reform in Australia. The geographic mapping of the burden of CHB and CHC allows for the prioritisation of health interventions and improvement of local service delivery.
The geographically uneven distribution of CHB and CHC presents the opportunity to engage with, and improve awareness within, affected communities through the targeting of high prevalence areas.
Identifying areas where access to appropriate diagnosis and treatment is lowest relative to the estimated prevalence of CHB and CHC and incidence of liver cancer provides the opportunity to prioritise interventions and local service delivery.
Investigators
WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
Principal Investigator: Ms Jennifer MacLachlan
Co-investigators: Prof Benjamin Cowie, Ms Nicole Romero, Dr Nicole Allard
Collaborating organisations: Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM)
Project contact
Jennifer MacLachlan | Senior Epidemiologist
t: 03 9342 9373 | e: jennifer.maclachlan@mh.org.au
Support
Health Surveillance Fund, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care