This World Liver Day ASHM is pleased to support and share Hepatitis B Voices Australia (HBVA) the first Australian hepatitis B community organisation – led by people affected by hepatitis B.
November 2022 marked the launch of HBVA, an independent, not for profit, community-led organisation that supports, represents and advocates for the health and well-being of people affected by hepatitis B in Australia.
Their goal is to improve health and social outcomes for people affected by chronic hepatitis B across all aspects of the public health response, including prevention, management, cure, and elimination of its impacts.
Diagnosis and engagement in care for hepatitis B is currently less than optimal, and engaging the community is a key area of improvement to increase these rates: HBVA was founded to facilitate the partnership with the affected community.
Their vision is that the voices of people living with hepatitis B will be central in the response to hepatitis B and eliminating its impacts.
HBVA is committed to amplifying and including the lived experience in all its activities, ensuring that the diversity of voices amongst the affected community are represented.
Current operations of this new organisation include advocacy and policy development, research and training, community engagement and support as well as consultancy. This will provide a pathway for community input across the sector and a sustainable and supported way to include community representation on projects and other work.
The launch event in Melbourne last year was a wonderful event to celebrate this vital organisation with palpable support and excitement from attendees and the sector.
ASHM are pleased to advise that a memorandum of understanding has been finalised between HBVA and ASHM further facilitating collaboration and improved outcomes for people living with hepatitis B in Australia. There is no overstating the absolute importance of this voice, Hepatitis B voices being strengthened and amplified and ASHM look forward to supporting this crucial work.
For further information see: https://www.hepbvoices.au/
