Hepatitis C
Peer Education Program

All in all 2007 has been a mixed bag; there have been some exhilarating highs as well as some devastating lows for the VIVAIDS Hepatitis C (HCV) Peer Education Program. The program divides its time between 2 main areas: identifying opportunities to promote education and information about hepatitis C for drug users and professionals who work with drug users in the community on one hand and VIVAIDS’ involvement in the Healthy Liver Clinic at Turning Point (TP) Alcohol & Drug Centre on the other.

Although drug user organisations have always been at the forefront of HCV prevention efforts, we have been conspicuously absent when it comes to clinical issues and treatment for hepatitis C. So, VIVAIDS’ involvement with the Healthy Liver Clinic was a unique opportunity for drug users to have a voice in developing a more inclusive model of HCV treatment and for drug users to have better access to
antiviral therapy.

Following on from the previous year, 2007 began as a period of consolidation for the Healthy Liver Clinic (HLC). The clinical team, which included a VIVAIDS peer worker, operated as a highly integrated and functional unit. And the clients kept coming! There was consistent demand from clients for HCV screening and treatment and monitoring of liver health. From April 2006 to June 2007, a total of 74 clients were screened for HCV and 34 clients accessed HCV treatment.
Sadly, however, the Healthy Liver Clinic (HLC) was not sustainable! Despite our successes and despite the evaluation which indicated the acceptability and feasibility of the model from the clients’ point of view, it proved difficult to identify an ongoing source of funding. Throughout 2007, the model developed by the HLC was increasingly eroded due largely to organisational changes at Turning Point, including attempts to close the pharmacy and 100% turnover of HLC staff. As a result, VIVAIDS withdrew from the HLC in October 2007 and we are currently in the process of identifying new opportunities to replicate the HLC model at other sites and/or agencies in Victoria.
Workshops Offered HCV Contact
Under Construction
Jenny Kelsall

Hepatitis C Education & Support
email: jennykelsall@vivaids.org.au
[© 2008 VIVAIDS Inc.]