Recognition for hepatitis awareness

The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) has been recognised for its efforts in raising awareness about viral hepatitis and promoting testing and treatment of the infection.

GRPHU received an Organisational Collaboration Recognition Award from LiverWELL, a Victorian agency which champions the interests of people affected or at risk of viral hepatitis and liver disease.

In the past 12 months GRPHU has collaborated with LiverWELL on forums for health providers in Traralgon and Bairnsdale.

The success of the 2023 forum led to the formation of the first-ever Gippsland Viral Hepatitis Network.

The award was accepted by Leearna Earwicker, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Viral Hepatitis Lead at GRPHU. Leearna was additionally nominated for the Individual Contribution Recognition Award.

Leearna said addressing viral hepatitis in regional areas presented significant challenges.

“The tyranny of distance, the unique geographical landscape of Gippsland and issues related to service equity and availability are just a few hurdles we encounter, especially compared to our metropolitan counterparts. However, despite these obstacles, we collaborate with exceptional local services as well as state and national organisations,” Leearna said.

“Our (GRPHU) involvement in the statewide viral hepatitis roundtable has helped us build connections and advocate for the unique needs and barriers faced in Gippsland.”

Hepatitis C rates in East Gippsland were among the highest in Victoria in 2022. If left untreated, viral hepatitis may lead to liver damage and disease.