8705 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

8705 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the last quarter (October – December 2023) toward the objective ‘Raise awareness of hepatitis C in New Zealand in the general population and priority populations’ under ‘Focus area 1: Awareness and understanding’ in the National Hepatitis C Action Plan?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the October – December 2023 quarter, Health New Zealand progressed planning for a national approach to raise awareness about hepatitis C and to increase testing and treatment. I am also advised that during the quarter, regional hepatitis C services continued to undertake a range of initiatives to raise awareness, including working with Māori providers contracted to support hepatitis C awareness, education and testing.