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ASHM has conducted Hepatitis C capacity building projects with many regional Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a disease which has a higher prevalence among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
In 2012, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population represented 7% of notifications of newly diagnosed hepatitis C infection. While the rates of hepatitis C infection in the non-Indigenous population have improved, rates of hepatitis C in the Aboriginal population continue to rise.
Risk factors for increased prevalence include disproportionately high rates of incarceration among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. and higher rates of unsafe injecting drug use.
In order to provide sustainable and effective support to the health workforce through practical resources and culturally appropriate education and training, ASHM is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professional organisations, services, and people.
ASHM uses a multifaceted approach to assist ACCHS engagement with hepatitis C prevention, screening and management in order to strengthen staff and service capacity.
The approach involves:
ASHM is available to assist Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to strengthen staff and service capacity to effectively prevent, test for and manage viral hepatitis, HIV and sexual transmissible infections. Please contact us for more information.
ASHM offers a range of face-to-face education courses focusing on viral hepatitis, HIV and sexual Health for Aboriginal health workers, nurses, general practitioners and allied health workers.
We are able to tailor specific courses to your local context and audience, such as these examples:
This course aims to provide attendees with the necessary knowledge and skills to more confidently manage their Aboriginal clients with hepatitis B and C.
It will have a local focus, providing an overview of local service provision and referral pathways within the region. It outlines the public health aspects and clinical management of hepatitis B and C and advocates a proactive approach to health care for Aboriginal clients.
For further information, please contact education@ashm.org.au
This course provides an overview of the epidemiology, testing principles, pathogenesis, natural history and treatment of hepatitis B and C infections and common STIs.
Sexual history taking and performing a sexual risk assessment will also be covered along with the public health aspects and clinical management of viral hepatitis and STIs.
The information will be presented in a variety of formats, including interactive question and answer sessions, case discussions, facilitated small group work and short presentations.
For further information, please contact education@ashm.org.au
This online module discusses the management of hepatitis B and C in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Prevalence, diagnosis and natural history are explored and the cultural aspects impacting on detection and management are outlined. Options for overcoming barriers to care are also detailed.
Duration: Two hours
CPD: ACRRM 2 CME PD, RACGP 4 CPD, RCNA 2 CNE.
