Youth Projects is proud to announce the launch of a new Hepatitis Point-of-Care Testing machine, The GeneXpert, at The Living Room, our primary health services supporting people experiencing homelessness in Melbourne.

In an exclusive trial made possible through our partnership with the Kirby Institute, the GeneXpert machine is set to revolutionise the way we test for Hepatitis B and C and treatment for one of the most marginalised populations – those who are too often excluded from traditional healthcare systems.

In the lead-up to World Hepatitis Day, our friends at liverWELL joined us on-site for an awareness day, engaging with clients about the importance of hepatitis testing and letting them know that this new option would soon be available. Now, it’s here and it’s going to change lives.

This initiative supports the Victorian Government’s goal to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health concern by 2030, by prioritising rapid testing, treatment access, and the reduction of stigma for priority populations (especially people experiencing homelessness).

Same-Day Results, Same-Day Treatment

Traditional hepatitis testing methods require blood tests, lab transport and days (or weeks) of waiting for results. For people experiencing homelessness who may not have a phone, a fixed address or a reliable way to return, this can mean missing out entirely on diagnosis and care.

“This is especially critical for people experiencing homelessness, who may be transient or hesitant to engage with mainstream health services” says Adrian Hubble, Community Health Manager at Youth Projects. “With this model, we bring screening and care directly to them - meeting people where they are.”

Led by our clinic nurses and peer harm reduction workers, the GeneXpert solves this by delivering lab-grade results in under 60 minutes, using just a finger-stick blood sample. Clients can now be tested and treated in a single visit, dramatically improving access and outcomes.

The Urgency of Testing

Hep B and C are serious, often silent infections that can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated. For decades, treatment was limited, complex and riddled with side effects.

“For many years, people were told there was no treatment – or endured early therapies with severe side effects and low success rates” Adrian says. “For people who are homeless or inject drugs, communities that already experience high levels of discrimination, these barriers were even more entrenched”.

But since 2016, Direct Acting Antiviral treatments have revolutionised hepatitis C care. They’re short, low in side effects and offer a 97% cure rate. Despite this, thousands remain undiagnosed or untreated. Australia’s 2023 Viral Hepatitis Mapping Project found that only 13% of people with hepatitis B were receiving treatment and hepatitis C cure rates remain disproportionately low among marginalised groups.

“The challenge now is making sure those who’ve been excluded from care can access these life-changing treatments,” Adrian adds. “At The Living Room, we’re working to close this gap”

Why It Matters For Those Sleeping Rough

People experiencing homelessness face significantly higher risk of hepatitis infection, yet are far less likely to access testing and treatment.

A 2023 study found 30% clients at an Australian homelessness service tested positive for hepatitis C antibodies. Globally, hepatitis C rates in homeless populations can range from 10% to over 50%.

Structural barriers, like lack of ID, Medicare card, transport, phones, or trust in mainstream services, make it incredibly difficult for this group to engage with traditional healthcare.

“By integrating harm reduction, peer support and clinical care, we’re creating real, tangible health outcomes,” says Adrian. “Working hand in hand with our Foot Patrol and Needle Syringe Programs, we’re tackling prevention, testing and treatment as a united front”.

The Living Room: Healthcare without Judgement

As a drop-in primary health service tailored for people sleeping rough in Melbourne, The Living Room removes the barriers that prevent people from accessing care:

• No Medicare card required
• No long waitlist for appointments
• No stigma – just respectful, community-based care
• Walk-in access to nursing, mental health, harm reduction and now rapid hepatitis testing

Every test, every cure, is a step towards Australia’s goal to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030.