4195 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

4195 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter July to September 2024 toward the objective ‘Increase the integration and coordination of hepatitis C services across the sector’ under ‘Focus area 5: Integration and access to care’ in the National Hepatitis C Action Plan?

Hon Casey Costello: I am advised that, during the July to September 2024 quarter, regional hepatitis C services continued to work on delivering consistent approaches around the country. This included strengthening ongoing relationships with Corrections, needle exchange services, pharmacies, Hauora Māori and Pacific health providers, and primary and secondary health care. I am further advised that during the quarter, the Hepatitis C Community Clinic in Te Wai Pounamu established a partnership with Housing First through weekly clinics and outreach, offering testing and general health support. In addition, the Hepatitis C Support and Treatment service in Northern Region held hepatitis C training sessions with Community and Alcohol Treatment Service staff, which included information on the Hepatitis C referral pathway.