HIV-hepatitis project aims to reduce health inequities

Indigenous health disparities have been accepted for far too long, Professor James Ward says. (HANDOUT/UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND)

Despite advancements in effective treatments for HIV and viral hepatitis, the rates of diagnosis are disproportionately higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities compared with the non-Indigenous population.

But a new initiative is using local Indigenous connections and knowledge to try and address inequities in prevention, treatment and care of the blood-borne diseases.