Hep B Free programme continues.
The Hepatitis Foundation of NZ has been contracted by the Ministry of Health to take over the management of the Hep B Free carrier follow-up programme from the Auckland Regional Public Health Service.
Conferences
The 2008 Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference takes place October 20- 22 in Brisbane. More information
Viral Hepatitis 3rd NZ Conference at Whakatane - 25,26 & 27 February 2010.
'Viral Hepatitis Road Map; The Next 10 Years'
Monthly draws of $200 worth of petrol or grocery vouchers.
| Winners | |||
| 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | |
| January | Tauranga | Campbells Bay, Auckland | |
| February | Remuera, Auckland | Hamilton | |
| March | Rotorua | Otara, Auckland | |
| April | Masterton | Three Kings, Auckland | |
| May | Gisborne | Waimiha, WKT | |
| June | Porirua | Upper Hutt | |
| July | Matata, BOP | ||
| August | Hamilton | Whangarei | |
| September | Grey Lynn, Auckland | Ngaruawahia | |
| October | Hastings | Wellington | |
| November | Howick, Auckland | Papatoetoe, Auckland | |
| December | Kaeo, Northland | Timaru |
Publications
"The New Zealand Hepatitis B Screening Programme: screening coverage and prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection". View the paper
"Battling the big B"
When laboratory technologist Sandy Milne discovered epidemic rates of hepatitis B in Eastern Bay of Plenty children in the mid – 1970s, officials were sceptical. With paediatrician Dr Chris Moyes, Milne set out to prove there was a serious hepatitis B problem in New Zealand.
Their study of the epidemic and their low-dose vaccine research in Kawerau were world firsts. Low dose vaccination saved the New Zealand Government millions of dollars in its own immunisation programme.
Milne battled successive Ministers of Health, politicians and health officials to have the hepatitis B problem recognised and adequate funding allocated for immunisation and to monitor the health of those infected with hepatitis B virus. His struggle led to the birth of the Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand.
Today the foundation is thriving as a national provider to the Ministry of Health. The focus has moved away from immunisation to the follow-up of hepatitis B carriers of which there is an estimated 70 – 90,000 chronically infected persons living in and around New Zealand.
Battling the big B looks at the history of the foundation from the 1970’s to 2000 high lighting the struggles, politics and achievements of a charitable organisation whose goal was to irradicate hepatitis B infection from New Zealand.
Copies of Battling the big B ($29.95 plus $4.00 pp) can be purchased from the Hepatitis Foundation suelegat@hepfoundation.org.nz or Sue Legat, Hepatitis Foundation (NZ), P.O. Box 647, WHAKATANE. Cheque to be made payable to Hepatitis Foundation (NZ)
Research Grants
The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand offers, at the discretion of the Research Committee of the Foundation, research grants of $5,000 to students enrolled at tertiary institutions in New Zealand or the University of the South Pacific. The objective of the research grants is to encourage and assist research into any aspect of the control or management of viral hepatitis. Suitable fields of investigation could include but are not limited to epidemiological studies, bio-medical research, health economics and health systems research. Copy of the rules
Applications should be submitted by e-mail to johnhornell@hepfoundation.org.nz or posted to the Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand, P.O. Box 647, Whakatane 3080.
Next closing date for applications: 30 April 2007.
Drugs
Changes to lamivudine (Zeffix) access criteria and the listing of adefovir dipivoxil
(Hepsera)
Press Release
Telbivudine Approved in Switzerland for Chronic Hepatitis B
News Release
Where can I go for further information and support?
For more information contact us.