hepVoice Vol.17 | Page 12

World Hepatitis Alliance member activities WHA Member updates from around the world Russia Patient organisations including WHA members United Against Hepatitis and E.V.A. sent an open letter to the Minister of Health of the Russian Federation asking for the government to develop and implement a national strategy. The organisations also held a press conference on ending the hepatitis C epidemic where patient advocates voiced the main issues faced by those living with viral hepatitis in Russia. Australia The World Hepatitis Alliance continues to grow as we welcome four new member organisations: • Liberia National Hepatitis Foundation • APAHE Uruguay • Hepatitis C Venezuela, A.C. • Save The Liver Foundation, India Our membership is now made up of 253 groups in 86 countries in every region of the world. Are you interested in becoming a member of the World Hepatitis Alliance? Being part of this global network of patient groups provides many benefits to your organisation, including increased credibility, international visibility of your work, capacity building, and the opportunity to shape the strategic direction of WHA and thus influence the global health agenda. For more information on the membership requirements and how to apply, click here. 12 hep V oice June 2017 Nigeria Throughout June the civil society coalition in Nigeria, made up of many WHA members including Advocacy for the Prevention of Hepatitis in Nigeria (APHIN), Beacon Youth Initiative and Chagro-Care Trust, has been attending planning meetings with the Ministry of Health for the International Conference on Viral Hepatitis in Nigeria. Set to take place in September, the event will bring together Ministers of Health, patient organisations medical associations, academics and the private sector. New members WHA member Hepatitis Queensland attended Multicultural Youth Day in Inala where they hosted an information booth to raise awareness of hepatitis C. We love to highlight the great work of our members, so get in touch with updates on your national activities. hep V oice June 2017 13