Hepatitis C Stigma - Patient Perspective

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a potentially life-threatening virus that primarily affects the liver. While the introduction of direct-acting antiviral therapies which can cure HCV in the majority of patients represents a major advance, stigma represents a key barrier to diagnosis and treatment. As a result, Australia’s Fifth National Hepatitis C Strategy 2018–2022 has identified stigma and discrimination as one of five key priority areas for action.

This podcast aims to empower GPs to recognise the different ways in which stigma related to HCV infection can present in the primary care setting and consider communication techniques and tools to help overcome this – thereby optimising outcomes for patient with HCV infection.