Why are we here?

Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver. It is serious and can lead to liver scarring or liver cancer. It can also be fatal if not managed properly. An estimated 100,000 people in New Zealand have hepatitis B but, because there are often no symptoms, many of them don’t know they have it. They need people to focus on them, to educate them about the virus, its risks and how it can be managed, and that’s where we come in.

We exist to support people living with hepatitis B, raise national awareness of it and help reduce its incidence in NZ. We strongly believe in health equity; everyone has a right to treatment, care and support, regardless of their culture, background, age, occupation or gender. We strive to engage with all communities in culturally sensitive ways and work together to achieve positive health outcomes. Our services have been developed with that in mind.

We provide a long-term monitoring programme to help improve health outcomes for people living with chronic hepatitis B. Through this Ministry-of-Health-funded programme we care for New Zealand residents living with hepatitis B. The programme includes:

• Access to community hepatitis nurses

• Access to specialist care if needed

• Regular blood tests

• Liver assessment, including a fibroscan (ultrasound)

• Resources and information about hepatitis B, testing and treatment

• Advice and support

• A hepatitis helpline.