The number of Australians dying from hepatitis C-related diseases has declined by 20 per cent over the last two years, according to research from The Kirby Institute.
Despite the drop, treatment uptake has decreased by more than 50 per cent and 170,000 people in Australia are estimated to still live with chronic hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C disproportionately impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, drug users, and those in incarceration.
CEO of Hepatitis Australia, Helen Tyrell, said this issue is a “real concern” and attributes the trend to a lack of awareness and social stigma.