
Hepatitis: Warning for migrant communities of impact of this silent killer
SBS Indonesian
04:48 Indonesian Almost 300,000 people in Australia are living with Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C - often without warning signs of liver damage.
It found that 69 people will live with Hepatitis B and almost a quarter with Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is curable, but there is no vaccine yet. Meanwhile Hepatitis B has a vaccine and treatment, but there is no cure yet. Eradicating viral hepatitis as a public health threat is a key goal, with almost 1,000 deaths in Australia recorded each year. Listen to SBS Indonesian every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 3pm. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram , and don't miss our podcasts .
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Sky News AU
28 minutes ago
- Sky News AU
NSW Health investigating head of sex assault service for 'antisemitism, bullying' after calling Jewish colleagues 'Zimbos', 'demons'
New South Wales Health is investigating the head doctor for the sexual assault service at one of Sydney's busiest hospitals over allegations of antisemitism and online bullying. Sky News can reveal Dr Jennifer Martinez's recent appointment to the senior position at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, in the inner city, is now under review. The investigation follows a complaint made to NSW Health Minister Ryan Park in June last month, alleging 'antisemitic bias' and 'bullying behaviour' that was then referred to the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD). The district's CEO, Deb Willcox AM, responded to the whistleblower last month confirming it was 'conducting a review into the concerns raised'. A meeting was held between the complainant, who spoke to Sky News but wishes to remain anonymous, and two SLHD representatives last week, who told her the department may call in subject matter experts in law and antisemitism as part of its investigation. The complaint concerns Dr Martinez's repeated social media references to other doctors, including Jewish doctors, as 'Zio doc flops', 'Zimbos', 'butthurt Zio doctors', 'Zionist extremists', 'demons', and 'gronks'. Dr Martinez also reshared a video to her Instagram account which includes calls to 'end Zionism' and 'from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free'. The complaint also referred to a comment she published on a post justifying the doxxing of 600 Jewish creatives, in which she wrote: 'Nothing but facts'. The complaint, obtained by Sky News, urges the minister to 'reconsider' Dr Martinez's appointment, alleging her conduct is a violation of NSW Health's 'zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism and poses significant moral and legal risks to survivor safety'. 'Dr Martinez's social media activity… exhibits deep antisemitic bias masked as anti-Zionism, demonstrates bullying behaviour toward[s] detractors through mocking and potential doxxing, and reveals an inability to manage conflict constructively, rendering her unfit for this critical leadership role,' the complaint reads. 'Her antisemitic bias, bullying behaviour and confrontational approach risk alienating Jewish [sexual assault] survivors, who may fear hostility, deterring them from seeking services.' The letter calls on Minister Park to revoke Dr Martinez's appointment, refer the doctor to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and make a public statement. Dr Martinez was appointed to the role as department head on February 20, a position meant to last for an initial period of five years. She is also a GP for national mental health charity Headspace. Dr Jeremy Goldin from advocacy group Alliance Against Antisemitism in Healthcare says Dr Martinez's language is concerning for someone in her role. 'I believe that this is a significant conflict of interest and for the sake of the hospital, the service, the staff that are under Dr Martinez but, in particular, those patients who are coming in to see Dr Martinez in the context of their sexual assault – for them, there is no option other than for the hospital to step Dr Martinez down pending an investigation into all of this,' Dr Goldin said. Dr Goldin said he was particularly concerned about patients who happened to be Jewish or pro-Israel, based on Dr Martinez's inflammatory posts. 'There is really a concern that these health professionals are not advocating; rather, they are being activists and activism in medicine is unhealthy," Dr Goldin said. When contacted by Sky News, Dr Martinez said: 'No response, thank you.' A Sydney Local Health District spokesperson said the district does 'not comment on matters relating to individual staff members'. 'Sydney Local Health District supports a safe and healthy workplace to enable our staff to provide the highest quality of care to their patients and their loved ones,' the spokesperson said. Mr Park did not respond to a request for comment. When Bankstown Hospital nurses Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh were stood down by NSW Health and charged earlier this year, after video went viral of them bragging about killing and refusing to treat Israeli patients, the minister apologised to the Jewish community. 'I say to the people of NSW, but in particular the Jewish community , I as the New South Wales health minister am so verey sorry that you're having to deal with this this morning,' Mr Park said. 'There is no place in our hospital and health system for this sort of view to ever take place.' Sky News this week revealed another Australian doctor, Melbourne obstetrician Dr Miranda Robinson, had withdrawn her court application for a personal safety intervention order against a Sydney midwife who had made claims of racism and anti-Semitism against her, following this outlet broadcasting a story about the case. Fresh complaints about Dr Robinson are currently being considered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and the Australian Human Rights Commission about the specialist's social media posts.

ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
20th Anniversary Collection: How power and fear play out in the dentist's chair
Sharonne Zaks grew up in a family of dentists, and when she too became a dentist, she developed an empathetic relationship with her patients, never judging them even if they'd avoided the dentist for years. A patient named Anna profoundly changed Sharonne's understanding of a patient's experience in the dentist's chair. Sharonne realised that for those who have been through a sexual assault or trauma, the extreme powerlessness of being treated at the dentist can be highly triggering. Sharonne undertook study into the area, and began a new regime to treat survivors in her own practice. She then began explaining what she'd found about the power dynamic between dentist and patient, to her own colleagues. Further information 2025 update: Sharonne regularly presents on trauma-informed care to groups across the dental profession and beyond, including lawyers, nurses, doctors and carers. Trauma-informed dental knowledge and skills have recently been made core competencies for all newly qualified dentists by the Australian Dental Council. You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.

News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
Assistive tech targets market growth while improving lives
Demand for assistive technologies on the rise with growing global ageing population and awareness of disability inclusion Cochlear one of most high-profile ASX assistive technologies companies with legacy spanning more than 40 years Control Bionics helping thousands around the world communicate and connect in ways once thought impossible With a rising global ageing population and awareness of disability inclusion growing, demand is increasing for technologies that help people maintain independence and improve quality of life. Assistive technologies go beyond medical diagnostics or treatment by directly enabling individuals to hear, see, communicate and perform daily activities they might otherwise struggle to do. And while assistive technology delivers clear social benefits and aligns with ESG goals, it's also targeting a rapidly expanding market. Globally the assistive tech market was valued at ~US$22.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US%36.6 bn by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% throughout the decade. In Australia, the assistive technology sector is projected to expand from ~US$720 million in 2023 to more than US$1.7bn by 2030, driven by demographic shifts such as an ageing population and rising prevalence of long-term disabilities. Australia's substantial healthcare expenditure is also considered a pivotal driver for demand in the Australian disabled and elderly assistive device market. Global pioneer in hearing implant technology From restoring communication for those with severe disabilities to preserving vision and enhancing hearing, Australian companies have a proud history in assistive technologies with ASX blue-chip Cochlear (ASX:COH) one of the most high profile. Cochlear stands as one of the world's foremost innovators in assistive hearing technology with a legacy spanning more than 40 years. Cochlear implants and bone conduction devices are life-changing products, which have enabled hundreds of thousands of people globally across all ages to hear and communicate more effectively. Cochlear CEO and president Dig Howitt told Stockhead the organisation continued to progress new technology and care models, having recently launched the Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System, the world's first and only smart implant system. "The Nucleus Nexa Implant is the outcome of a 20 year investment in R&D and is the first cochlear implant to run its own firmware," he said. Howitt said similar to smartphones, the implant firmware could be updated to enable new features and access future innovations. "Recipients will now have access to a better hearing experience with both implant and sound processor updates," he said. "The Nucleus Nexa System builds upon Cochlear's industry-leading portfolio of electrodes, which are designed to optimise the electrode-neural interface and protect cochlea health and opens the door to even greater hearing potential for patients into the future." Enhancing sound in real-world situations While Cochlear may dominate the implantable hearing device market Brisbane-based Audeara (ASX:AUA) is carving out its own space in personalised listening solutions that sit between consumer audio products and clinical hearing aids. The flagship Audeara headphones and TV bundles the company started with use built-in hearing checks to create tailored sound profiles, ensuring clearer, enhanced listening experiences. Audeara managing director James Fielding told Stockhead the features made the devices valuable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, or for people using cochlear implants and hearing aids who got an incredible entertainment experience when the sound was tailored to their needs. Building its portfolio Audeara launched Buds into its clinic networks this year. Unlike conventional hearing aids, Buds focus on enhancing the sound in real world situations like a busy cafe while also staying true to their entertainment focus, enhancing calls, TV and music. "We believe assistive technology should enhance the human experience without compromise," Fielding said. "At Audeara, our personalised hearing solutions empower people to connect more deeply with music, conversations and entertainment, regardless of their hearing ability." The technology also supports accessibility through government funding programs including NDIS, DVA and the Hearing Services Program, broadening its reach and affordability. With distribution in 1,500 clinics across Australia and more than 3,000 globally, including partnerships with major networks like Specsavers and Amplifon, Audeara is well positioned to capture growth in a market that's both socially impactful and commercially attractive. "The future of assistive technology is about inclusion, not limitation," Fielding said. "Audeara's mission is to ensure that hearing health solutions are seamlessly integrated into everyday life, combining clinical credibility with consumer-level accessibility." 'Giving communication back for more than two decades' Control Bionics (ASX:CBL) CEO Jeremy Steele describes the assistive technology medical device company as "sitting at the intersection of neuroscience and accessibility". "For more than 20 years, Control Bionics has been at the forefront of assistive technology innovation, helping thousands of people around the world communicate and connect in ways once thought impossible," Steele told Stockhead. Control Bionics has developed the NeuroNode – a wearable, watch-like, wireless non-invasive electromyography (EMG) and spatial sensor device to assist cognitive people with physical disabilities perform everyday functions. He said NeuroNode was globally unique as the only augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology of its kind that combined movement and EMG signals into a single platform. "Recognition by the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, awarding NeuroNode the first HCPCS code for an AAC device in 13 years, validates both the technology and the profound impact it delivers," he said. "We're proud to be a pioneer in the fast-emerging neurotechnology space, empowering people living with conditions like ALS, cerebral palsy and spinal cord injury to reclaim their voice and their independence." Steele said the company's objective was simple but ambitious – to expand global access to the most advanced, intuitive and life-changing assistive technologies available today. "The NeuroNode isn't just a device, it's a lifeline to communication, control and connection," he said. "We believe that every person – regardless of physical ability — deserves a way to engage with the world. "Our team's work over two decades reflects a deep commitment to designing technologies that break through barriers and restore possibility."