Barbara Stewart MP

Spokesperson for Health

28 July 2013  
 
Concurrent Preventative Focus Needed for Hepatitis C
 
New Zealand First is urging the Government to reconsider making tattoo hygiene a priority, in recognition of today being World Hepatitis Day.  
 
Health Spokesperson Barbara Stewart says the Government’s lack of interest is appalling, especially given the lack of concrete data around Hepatitis C infections in New Zealand. 
 
“In Australia, Hepatitis C is a notifiable disease and they are currently working through their third dedicated Hepatitis C Strategy. 
 
“The national community support programmes are great for New Zealanders already infected with Hepatitis, and we would like to see them continue to make progress.
 
“But infection control standards for unregistered tattooists and youth-focused awareness campaigns on transmission are the next logical steps to reduce the number of new infections. 
 
Mrs Stewart says the Government are focusing on being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, instead of building a fence at the top. 
 
“New Zealand is missing out on the chance to reduce the transmission of this blood borne virus, with the Government not taking the opportunity to regulate the unregulated backyard tattoo industry,” says Mrs Stewart. 
 
ENDS

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