community - 2026-08-03

Brookvale community health event brings hepatitis testing and advice closer to residents

Source: www.nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Northern Beaches residents were offered hepatitis testing and direct access to health professionals at a community event held at Brookvale Community Health Centre during 2026 Hepatitis Awareness Week. The event focused on helping people understand hepatitis B and C, including conditions that can remain undetected for years without regular testing.

Northern Beaches residents were offered hepatitis testing and direct access to health professionals at a community event held at Brookvale Community Health Centre during 2026 Hepatitis Awareness Week. The event focused on helping people understand hepatitis B and C, including conditions that can remain undetected for years without regular testing. The event was hosted by Northern Sydney Local Health District's Needle and Syringe and Opioid Treatment programs alongside Hepatitis NSW. Community members could ask health professionals about transmission, prevention, treatment and available support. Dried blood spot testing was offered on the day, giving attendees an opportunity to check their hepatitis status. The event also brought testing and health information into a community setting rather than relying only on people to seek advice through other health services. Rummana Shafein, Acting Manager of NSLHD's Needle and Syringe Program, said a lack of symptoms could leave people unaware that they had the condition. "Hepatitis can have no symptoms for many years, meaning people may be unaware they are living with the condition," she said. Shafein said identifying hepatitis early...