Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (Justice Health NSW) continues to lead the nation on reducing rates of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in prisons.
After a successful Australian-first pilot in 2020, which saw Justice Health NSW partner with Gilead Sciences on a rapid point-of-care molecular test that enabled the diagnosis of HCV through viral load assessments, they have continued to bring rates of HCV down to their lowest ever levels.
Acting Service Director of Population Health, Tracey Brown, said NSW was leading the nation when it came to tackling HCV in prisons.
“For the last few years, we have focused our efforts of the virtual elimination of HCV in prisons and our large-scale HCV point of care testing program has helped reduce HVC rates in NSW prisons from between 13-15 per cent in 2017-18 to six to eight per cent in 2023,” said Ms Brown.
“These have remained stable over the 23/24 financial year which also saw us test over 7,500 patients and treat over 1,179 patients to eliminate HCV.”
“We know there is a higher prevalence of HCV in NSW prisons, so it is essential we find patients with the virus as soon as they enter custody so they can start treatment right away.”
By treating the virus early, we can help stop the progression of the disease and catch it before it is passed on to other patients in the wider custodial population.
“Eliminating HCV in prisons also helps prevent further transmission when people return to the wider community.”
Justice Health NSW remains committed to transforming patient lives through high-quality healthcare which can transform lives.
