81083 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

81083 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter July to September 2024 to ‘Improve the detection and management of hepatitis B and C’ under Outcome 3: New Zealanders have fewer cancers, as part of the New Zealand Cancer Action Plan 2019 – 2029?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the July to September 2024 quarter, the Hepatitis C Support and Treatment service (HCSAT) continued to support complex patients within the Northern Region, and referrals to the service continued to grow. The HCSAT service also held hepatitis C training sessions with Community and Alcohol Treatment Service staff, which covered the referral pathway. I am also advised that during the quarter there was a nationwide push offering testing to people at-risk of hepatitis C. This included pop-up testing clinics and events with local providers, to raise awareness in the lead up to World Hepatitis Day. Health New Zealand re-launched its ‘Stick it to Hep C’ awareness campaign in July, which is continuing across radio, social media and digital channels. In addition, training continued to enable nurses and pharmacists to supply hepatitis C medication without prescription. The Hepatitis Foundation continued to monitor 20,000 active patients, helping them to live well with hepatitis B to reduce the incidence of liver cancer.