A new chair has been appointed to the Hepatitis Foundation of NZ.
William Rainger was voted in as chair on January 20. He’s currently the Auckland Public Health Service medical officer of health and has a strong background in governance, strategic leadership and operational management for organisations. He has more than 20 years’ experience in health services management.
“The board is very excited to welcome William as chair. He brings extensive health care experience and has a wealth of ideas about how to drive the organisation forward,” Hepatitis Foundation CEO Susan Hay says.
“We’re looking forward to having him join the organisation.”
The appointment sets the organisation up for a new direction in 2020. The organisation’s focus remains on its patients; it will continue to help people living with hepatitis achieve positive health outcomes while helping researchers work towards a cure.
William says his job is as chair is to ensure the Hepatitis Foundation is firmly focused on its key role. “Improving patient outcomes is a top priority, along with meeting World Health Organisation 2030 hepatitis elimination targets. We’re expecting to make a significant contribution to the targets for hepatitis B,” he says.
“In 2020 we will also deliver services to more than 30,000 patients living with viral hepatitis. Our work makes a difference to people living with hepatitis and I look forward to leading the organisation as we deliver our 2023 strategic roadmap.”
William replaces Chris Cunningham as chair. Chris remains on the board.
The Hepatitis Foundation is a charitable trust that offers free monitoring and support for people with hepatitis B.
New Zealand is one of the 196 countries participating in the World Health Organisation (WHO) programme working towards eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.
In 2013, viral hepatitis was a leading cause of death worldwide. It led to 1.46 million deaths, more than HIV, tuberculosis or malaria.
The Hepatitis Foundation takes a national strategic approach by working with nurses and GPs to increase the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis infections, especially with those who may face barriers to health care.
For more information visit www.hepatitisfoundation.org.nz
