From 14-17 August 2026, five healthcare professionals selected for the HBV s100 Prescriber Scholarship attended the 16th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference (VH2026) in Walyalup (Fremantle).
Over three days, scholarship recipients learnt about the latest developments and work happening across the region in viral hepatitis care, and connected with leading experts and fellow healthcare professionals at networking events, including the official Scholarship Meetup.
Read the below reflections from these scholarship recipients as they explore their experiences at VH2026 and what they will take away to their practice.
Khim, Nurse Practitioner (Viral Hepatitis Clinic 34, NT)
“Attending the 16th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference was an enriching and valuable experience. My personal highlight was hearing the passion, perseverance and collaborative efforts of programs making real change, including: peer-led services, the development and expansion of innovative models to deliver care, the use of community voices, and the partnerships between NGO and government organisations.
I was inspired by the commitment of healthcare professionals, researchers and community representatives who spoke throughout the conference. Working and living in Central Australia, this connection to the professional and community viral hepatitis network is extremely valuable and appreciated.
Of the many learnings from the conference, my highlights included the challenges of creating a functional cure for the hepatitis B virus (HBV), tackling hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and treatment in prisons, and the valuable perspectives shared by people living with viral hepatitis.”
Lindy, Nurse Practitioner (Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network, NSW)
“Attending the conference and listening to the experts in the field of viral hepatitis has provided much needed education and confidence surrounding HBV prescribing. This education will ensure the information and treatment I provide my patients is contemporary and supported by evidence. I was able to network with specialist NP’s and peer workers, and these connections will be invaluable in the future to improve patient outcomes.
This opportunity has enabled me to take the next step into becoming a confident prescriber and clinician in the area of viral hepatitis.”
Burglind, Nurse Practitioner (Darling Downs Hospital & Health Service, QLD)
“It was a privilege to be able to attend the Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference this year in beautiful WA, with the theme being ‘turning ambition and experience into action’. A key highlight was seeing how this was being translated into practical patient centered changes with many different models on display in the forms of poster presentations, rapid fire, and keynote presentations with panel discussions. The Nurses Breakfast did stand out showcasing colleagues collaborating with a range of other providers to actively improve care by responding to local community needs.
In practice I will focus on strengthening surveillance to reduce missed opportunities in care and support primary care in managing viral hepatitis care. Attending this conference has given me new energy to seek out opportunities to improve genuine partnerships with community practice and patients.”
Glory, Nurse Practitioner (Lotus Glen Correctional Centre, QLD)
“The conference was highly informative and engaging, with interactive and relevant exhibits that enhanced the learning experience. The Cultural Space was a particular highlight, bringing delegates together through participation in an Indigenous art project.
One of the most memorable presentations was delivered by Professor Patrick Kennedy from the UK…My key takeaway was the genuine hope that emerging treatments may reduce the risk of liver cancer and improve outcomes for people living with hepatitis B.
I also valued the panel discussions, which included a diverse range of consumers and clinicians. Their perspectives made the sessions practical, inclusive and grounded in lived experience.
Overall, the conference strengthened my knowledge, renewed my optimism and reinforced the importance of accessible, person-centred hepatitis care.”
Matthew, Nurse Practitioner (Hunter Primary Care, NSW)
“Attending the Viral Hepatitis Conference was both rewarding and inspiring. The highlight for me was the Friday morning session on bepirovirsen, one of the first hepatitis B treatments to demonstrate the potential for a functional cure. While the treatment is not perfect and there is still much work to be done, it represents a significant milestone and an exciting first step towards achieving cure for people living with hepatitis B.
The conference also provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from across the sector, share experiences, and learn from the incredible work being undertaken in different settings. I left feeling energised by the innovation, collaboration, and commitment demonstrated throughout the event.
Most importantly, the conference reinforced the importance of continuing to advocate for and provide high-quality care to vulnerable populations who are often disproportionately affected by viral hepatitis. The discussions, research updates, and shared experiences were a powerful reminder of the difference we can make through compassionate, evidence-based care.”
ASHM would like to acknowledge and thank scholarship funders NSW Health, Queensland Health, and NT Health.
The above reflections have been edited for clarity and length.
