Summary:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in the NT, with 3% to 15% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait adults infected. HBV makes significant contribution to morbidity and mortality in the form of cirrhosis and liver cancer. This study will provide epidemiological information crucial to planning appropriate, effective, and economically sustainable responses in line with the National Hepatitis B Strategy and ensuring holistic hepatitis B care is available to all patients.
Aims:
The Galiwin’ku sero-survey - establishing the size of the problem in Galiwin’ku - “Know Your Hep B Status” - project aims are:
- To establish the sero-prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Galiwin’ku.
- To look for occult hepatitis B infection in Galiwin’ku.
- To investigate the effect of sub-genotype C4 on vaccine efficacy.
- To give all residents of Galiwin’ku a CHB sero-status.
Objectives:
The CHB sero-status of all Galiwin’ku residents will be established and they will be directed to the most appropriate care pathway. Residents will know if they require treatment for CHB, vaccination against it or if they are immune.
We are trialling two different novel diagnostic tests alongside the serology tests.
Implications for policy and practice:
The results from this model have been used to determine the CHB status of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals across the Northern Territory (Hep B PAST).
This study provided baseline epidemiological evidence crucial to planning appropriate, effective, and economically sustainable responses in line with the National Hepatitis B Strategy. It has established a model for holistic, community-driven, primary health-based hepatitis B care.
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Project dates:
The project commenced in 2015 and is ongoing.