Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand

29/07/2025

28/07/2025

27/07/2025

Hepatitis is one of the world's most common infectious diseases, with over 250 million people globally living with chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Right here in New Zealand, an estimated 94,000 people are living with HBV, and alarmingly, 50% of these are yet to be diagnosed. HBV is the primary cause of primary liver cancer in NZ, contributing to an estimated 300 deaths annually due to hepatitis B and C.

At The Hepatitis Foundation, we run a free, lifelong, national monitoring program for all New Zealanders living with HBV, which is proven to improve health outcomes. People registered with HFNZ receive regular HBV monitoring, assessment, education, and support.

If you or your whānau would like to be tested or need support, we're here for you. Contact our free nationwide helpline on 0800 33 20 10 or email us at hepteam@hfnz.nz for all enquiries.

26/07/2025

Could you have hepatitis B? If you can answer ‘Yes’ to any of the below you are more at risk of having contracted hepatitis B:

✔ You are over 35 years of age
✔ You are of Māori, Pacific or Asian ethnicity
✔ Your mother or close family member has hepatitis B
✔ You live with someone who has hepatitis B
✔ You were born outside New Zealand, from a high risk country
✔ Have had unprotected s*x with a person living with hepatitis B
✔ Have ever injected drugs
✔ Have received a tattoo using unsterilised equipment

We can check through a blood test. Let’s get you tested today, you can call 0800 33 20 10 or ask your GP for a blood test.

24/07/2025

Over 94,000 people in New Zealand are living with chronic hepatitis, with many unaware of their status. Hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer.

Here at the Hepatitis Foundation, we drive early detection by encouraging testing and by providing ongoing support through our national free monitoring programme.

If you think you are at risk or have it, give us a call on 0800 33 20 10 to get a free blood test.

24/07/2025

Exciting news for public health in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand (HFNZ) and GSK New Zealand Limited (GSK) have joined forces to eliminate hepatitis B in Aotearoa.

This partnership combines HFNZ's vital, free, lifelong monitoring program for New Zealanders with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and GSK's leading role in hepatitis B prevention through vaccines and treatment research.

Together, we're committed to advancing health outcomes for people with hepatitis B, strengthening New Zealand’s response to the disease, improving health equity for all, and contributing to the global goal of hepatitis B elimination.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a hepatitis B-free New Zealand. Stay tuned for updates on our progress.

Pictured: Brett Marett - Country Medical Director, GSK New Zealand, Rainger, Board Chair, Hepatitis Foundation of NZ, Sarah Davey, CEO, Hepatitis Foundation of NZ, Teresa Chen-Christman - Medical Affairs Manager, HIV and Specialty, GSK NZ, Jasmine Jurd - Specialty Business Head, GSK New Zealand, Professor Edward Gane, Specialist Hepatologist and Board Member, Hepatitis Foundation of NZ

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09/07/2025

What do you know about hepatitis b?

* It's a virus that affects the Liver
* It can cause liver damage, liver cancer and can be fatal
* You can have it and not know it
* It's spread by blood to blood and other bodily fluids.

If you think you are at risk or have it, give us a call on 0800 33 20 10 to get a free blood test.

28/03/2025

📢 Success at the Good Fellow Symposium! 📢

We had an amazing time connecting with doctors, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses at the Good Fellow Symposium 2025. It was a fantastic opportunity to share important information about Hepatitis B screening, patient management, monitoring, and treatment. We also loved answering your questions and hearing your valuable feedback.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth! We're committed to raising awareness and providing support.

24/03/2025

The team at The Hepatitis Foundation of NZ have been participating in the March Give it up Campaign for Gut Cancer Foundation.

We have had kaimahi give up coffee, sugar and alcohol. With less than 10 days left to go - this has been challenging but all for a great cause - to support the 17 Kiwis a day diagnosed with a gut cancer.

Gut cancers are serious. Cancers of the digestive system are the most common form of cancer in NZ, and they’re among the most deadly.

People who are diagnosed will only have a 50/50 chance of living for five more years. But right now, there’s a massive shortage of funding for gut cancer research and you can help by donating on our page! We would love for you to help us reach our goal:

Give it up for Gut Cancer : Make a donation today to support Kiwis with Gut Cancer

03/03/2025

We are so pleased to announce that liver cancer drugs Tecentriq and Bevacizumab will receive Pharmac funding! 🎗️

This is a huge step forward for liver cancer patients and their families in Aotearoa, providing access to standard-of-care treatment.

Dr. Kerryn Symons, Country Medical Director at Roche New Zealand, explains: "Atezolizumab is an immunotherapy that activates the patient's own immune system to fight off the cancer, while Bevacizumab cuts off the blood-supply to the tumour, slowing down tumour growth."

Sarah Davey, CEO of the Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand, highlights the importance of understanding the link between hepatitis and liver cancer: "More than 94,000 New Zealanders are living with chronic viral hepatitis B, and Māori and Pacific people are disproportionately affected by HCC."

This funding is a crucial step in improving outcomes for those affected by liver cancer.

Read more:

Tecentriq in combination with bevacizumab will help the 70 or so New Zealanders diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) each year.

19/12/2024

It's almost time for the festivities to begin! And that means a break for our staff.

The Hepatitis Foundation office in Whakatane will be closed from 12pm Friday 20th December and will re-open on Monday 6 January.

That means our helpline will also be closed, so if you need any support with hepatitis B queries over the break - check our website where there are lots of tips and advice: www.hfnz.nz

You can also call Healthline on: 0800 611 116
And in any kind of emergency situation, always call 111

15/11/2024

Hepatitis Testing Week begins on 18 November 2024

Let’s Test It and Treat It This Hepatitis Testing Week!

Testing for hepatitis B and C is a simple, quick step that can lead to early treatment and reduce the risk of liver cancer.

Don’t wait—getting tested could save your life. Take control of your liver health today.

📞 Call the Liver helpline 0800 33 20 10 to find out more, or visit www.hepatitisfoundation.org.nz/could-you-have-hepatitis-b/