Development of the Fourth National Hepatitis B Strategy 2023-2030 and Sixth National Hepatitis C Strategy 2023-2030 - Public Consultation Online Survey

Overview

Ensuring Australians can live free from the impact of hepatitis B and hepatitis C is a priority of the Australian Government.

We are seeking your feedback on the draft Fourth National Hepatitis B Strategy 2023-2030 and the draft Sixth National Hepatitis C Strategy 2023-2030 (the Strategies).

These Strategies are part of the new draft national Blood Borne Viruses (BBV) and Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI) strategies that will build on the achievements and lessons learned from the previous strategies and set a strong direction for Australia’s continued and world‑leading response to BBV and STI.

The Strategies comprise overarching goals and targets, priority populations and settings, and key areas for action which will guide the national response to BBV and STI for 2023‑2030. The targets balance ambition with feasibility, ensuring no one is left behind in the pursuit of Australia’s commitment to elimination by 2030.

Why your views matter

The purpose of this consultation is to seek community and stakeholder feedback on the draft strategies. The diverse perspectives, experiences, knowledge of people living with or at risk of viral hepatitis and their affected communities are valued, respected, and will contribute to the final strategies.

We want to hear your opinions on areas such as:

• The vision set out for the Strategies
• The overarching goals, targets and priority areas that will guide the national response for hepatitis B and C from 2023 to 2030
• The priority populations and settings

Your feedback from this consultation will inform the development of the final Strategies.

What Consultation has already taken place?

Both Strategies were drafted in partnership with key stakeholders, following targeted consultations with jurisdictions, sector peak bodies, national community organisations and national research centres of excellence. The Department has also consulted with the Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Standing Committee (BBVSS) (a subcommittee of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee), which includes state and territory governments and national peak body representation.

Agreement to use fixed point in time data for the National Hepatitis B Strategy 2023-2030 and the National Hepatitis C Strategy 2023-2030

The Department has worked closely with key stakeholders to reach agreement on the use of fixed-point data in the new strategies.

The Fourth National Hepatitis B Strategy 2023-2030 and the Sixth National Hepatitis C Strategy 2023-2030 will use 2020 data (including population/prevalence estimate) as published in Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project: National Report 2020  (published in 2021). While surveillance and monitoring data is expected to change over time, settled estimates at a fixed point in time are essential to enable the strategies to be consulted on, finalised and publicly released without undue delay.

How to provide your input?

We are seeking your submission via survey responses. For more information on the draft Fourth National Hepatitis B Strategy 2023-2030 and the Sixth National Hepatitis C Strategy 2023-2030and how your information will be used please refer to the draft Strategies. The consultation period will finish on 28 June 2023.

Late submissions or requests for extensions will not be accepted.

Next Steps

Your feedback will help inform the development of the Strategies which are expected to be finalised in 2023.

Questions about the Strategies can be directed to: BBVSTITSH@health.gov.au