Hepatitis B Briefing Paper

The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a virus transmitted in blood, semen and saliva.  It was discovered in 1965 in Australia (it was originally named the Australia Antigen after its discovery in Indigenous Australians). Currently, between 90,000 and 160,000 people in Australia are chronically infected with HBV.

This paper was created after a discussion on the proposal for a National Hepatitis B Strategy at the AFAO AGM in November 2007. Its purpose is to provide a brief background into the nature and epidemiology of Hepatitis B to assist in further discussion on a Hepatitis B Strategy.

Download Briefing Paper (PDF - small file)

Last Updated 5 February 2008