CHO Health Alert: Viral hepatitis training for Alcohol and Other Drug and Opioid Substitution Therapy workforces

09 November, 2017

Status:  Active

Date issued:  8 November 2017

Issued by:  Dr Brett Sutton, Acting Chief Health Officer, Victoria

Issued to:  Alcohol and Other Drug and Opioid Substitution Therapy workforces

 
Key messages 

  • In 2016 in Victoria, there were approximately 56,000 people living with chronic hepatitis B and approximately 65,000 living with chronic hepatitis C.
  • The largest risk factor for acquiring hepatitis C is through sharing drug-injecting equipment.
  • The Victorian Government is committed to eliminating hepatitis B and hepatitis C as public health concerns, and eliminating the stigma and discrimination associated with these diseases.
  • The Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) workforces are critical to the drive to eliminate hepatitis B and hepatitis C by 2030, and are encouraged to be adequately informed about viral hepatitis to educate and encourage clients, where appropriate, to be tested and treated for hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C.
Undertake training: There are a number of organisations funded to deliver hepatitis services and training courses (and some free services) that are listed below.
 

Read the full Advisory: Viral hepatitis training for Alcohol and Other Drug and Opioid Substitution Therapy workforces