Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand and GSK Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Hepatitis B Elimination in Aotearoa Ahead of World Hepatitis Day
The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand (HFNZ) and GSK New Zealand Limited (GSK) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalising a collaborative commitment to eliminate hepatitis B in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This strategic partnership unites the expertise and resources of both organisations to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders affected by chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
This announcement comes ahead of World Hepatitis Day on July 28th, an annual global event that serves to raise awareness about viral hepatitis and underscore the vital importance of testing and understanding the disease. The timing of this MOU highlights the urgent collective action needed to combat hepatitis B in New Zealand.
HFNZ, a charitable trust contracted by Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora, provides a vital free life-long monitoring programme for individuals living with CHB. GSK, a global pharmaceutical company, plays a pivotal role in hepatitis B prevention in New Zealand through the provision of its vaccines and ongoing research and development of treatments for the disease.
“This partnership with GSK marks a step forward in our collective efforts to combat hepatitis B in New Zealand,” said Sarah Davey, Chief Executive of HFNZ. “By combining our strengths – HFNZ’s comprehensive monitoring program and GSK’s leadership in prevention and treatment research – we are uniquely positioned to make an impact on the lives of those living with hepatitis B and to contribute meaningfully to the global elimination goal.”
GSK Country Medical Director, Brett Marett said, “Our shared vision of a hepatitis B-free Aotearoa is now bolstered by this formal collaboration. Through this MOU, we aim to accelerate the adoption of best practices, enhance public awareness, and support the development of innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by hepatitis B.”
The collaborative relationship between GSK and HFNZ is designed to:
Advance health outcomes for people with hepatitis B.
Strengthen New Zealand’s national response to hepatitis B.
Improve health equity for all New Zealanders.
Contribute directly to the global goal of hepatitis B elimination as outlined by the World Health Organisation.
Key initiatives under this MOU will focus on supporting the World Health Organisation’s goals by aligning efforts with global targets for eliminating viral hepatitis in New Zealand. This includes implementing joint campaigns to raise national awareness of hepatitis B and reduce its incidence through improved prevention strategies.
The partnership aims to enhance access to monitoring and treatment, ensuring improved identification and equitable health outcomes for people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This will be achieved by supporting the effective implementation of national Hepatitis B Treatment Guidance to test, treat, and monitor patients with CHB.
This will involve culturally sensitive engagement with Māori health, Pasifika, and other community providers to promote testing and liver health initiatives, ensuring that positive health outcomes are achieved.
Finally, the MOU seeks to advocate for the development and implementation of a comprehensive national hepatitis B action plan for Aotearoa, New Zealand ensuring the voices of people living with hepatitis are heard and their needs are met.
This partnership is an important step in New Zealand’s public health landscape, demonstrating a unified commitment to overcome the challenges of hepatitis B and achieve a healthier future for all.
About The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand (HFNZ):
The Hepatitis Foundation of New Zealand (HFNZ) is a charitable trust, contracted to Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand to provide a health monitoring programme that supports people living with hepatitis B (HBV).
Our free, lifelong, national monitoring programme is for all people living with HBV in New Zealand an is proven to improve health outcomes. People registered with HFNZ receive regular HBV monitoring, assessment, education and support.
We work in partnership with General Practice, Secondary Care and other health providers to provide ongoing care of their patients living with HBV.
About GSK
GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at New Zealand | GSK
World Hepatitis Day
World Hepatitis Day is one of only thirteen official disease-specific world health days recognised by the World Health Organisation. Every year on July 28th, millions of people around the world participate in raising awareness about viral hepatitis and advocating for improved access to treatment, prevention programmes, and government action.
