World Hepatitis Alliance Activities
established
WHO Global Hepatitis Programme
it 2017
World Hepatitis Summ
“As a result of the first World
Health Assembly resolution,
WHO set up the Global Hepatitis
Programme in 2011. When I learnt
that this would form part of the
Department of HIV, I initially
had concerns. Viral hepatitis
had been overshadowed by HIV/
AIDS for so long. But I was proved
wrong. In fact, by being part of
this department, hepatitis got
more resources than it otherwise
would have received and helped
us develop an extraordinarily
productive relationship with
WHO.”
194 governments
committing to elimination
12
hep
Voice November/December 2017
“28 May 2016 was truly a landmark moment for me and
for the community. When WHO Member States adopted
the elimination strategy, I couldn’t help thinking back to
2010 when I first saw, just as it was getting ready for its
unveiling, the statue outside WHO HQ that commemorates
30 years since the eradication of smallpox. At the time, it
felt like we were so far from even considering elimination,
let alone eradication, for viral hepatitis. It just shows that
with a strong and united patient voice and sheer, gutsy
determination, we can achieve miracles.”
“By concluding my time as
WHA President with the
second World Hepatitis
Summit in São Paulo, Brazil,
I really am going out on a
high note. Its success proved
that it is a truly unique and
important event and it has
set the stage for what we
need to do now: to turn
elimination from a concept
into tangible action on the
ground.”
Charles has also written a farewell
statement that can be read on
the WHA website and recorded a
special video message for all WHA
members.
hep Voice November/December 2017
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