Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea has spoken out on his own Hepatitis C affliction to raise awareness of the massive rates of hepatitis in the council area.
The council area has the second-highest rate of chronic Hep B in Victoria. Its reported chronic Hep C rate is at twice the state average.
On 31 August, Cr Chea was ordained as one of 50 HEP Heroes by Hepatitis Victoria for his efforts for the cause.
He was diagnosed and successfully treated for Hep C after he and his family arrived as refugees from Cambodia, he said.
He’d contracted the disease in an unsanitary concentration camp.
“When the Khmer Rouge took power in Cambodia, my family was sent to the concentration camp where we were forced to carry out hard labour.
“We were hungry and thirsty and very hot. I drank unclean water from the rice fields.”
Cr Chea spoke out to allay the stigma of viral hepatitis.
“For me, taking leadership in liver health is very important.
“I’m hoping by sharing my story I can reach out to the wider community to help them understand the seriousness of this disease and the treatment options available.
“There is a stigma surrounding viral hepatitis that prevents people from talking to their families, getting tested or treated, or seeking support.”
Most cases of Hep C are curable, and hep C can be managed with treatment. There are also vaccines against Hep A and B.
He and his late wife Uchchara, who was a carrier of Hep B, brought up four children. He is also grandfather of six.
“Through treatment and ongoing monitoring I have been given the all clear.
“I’m one of the lucky ones.
“Every day for as long as I can remember, I focus on being as healthy as I can.”
Cr Chea said it was important to see a doctor without delay.
“Blood tests can determine whether you have viral hepatitis, and if so, which kind. “The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can take steps to protect yourself and others.”
