Dr. Gyde Steffen is a medical doctor and infectious disease epidemiologist who has worked at the Robert Koch Institute in Germany for ten years. Her work focuses on the epidemiology and prevention of hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infections, with particular attention to underserved and marginalized populations. Dr. Steffen’s research aims to improve surveillance, access to testing, and evidence-based interventions for communities that are often underrepresented in public health systems. She is one of the coordinators of the DRUCK-Surv study, a project with the aim to monitor Hepatitis B, C and HIV and related health indicators among people who inject drugs in Germany.

Charles is with the Burnet Institute as a community engagement coordinator contributing to community-research partnerships on national efforts in hepatitis C elimination and co-design and leadership efforts in community participatory research. He is undertaking a PhD in a community-led, descriptive qualitative research study on long-acting injectable buprenorphine. He has held performed several roles in Australia and New Zealand in peer-led drug user organisations. These roles include front-facing needle/syringe and other harm reduction supplies distribution, outreach education and knowledge-transfer and several management positions, including the New Zealand Needle Exchange Program national director role for 15 years. Central in this work has been the living experience perspective connecting to injection drug use, opioid treatment and hepatitis C, and he remains committed to collective efforts in the crucial mission of improving the lives and rights of people who inject/use illicit drugs.

Jiten Asem is a public health professional and Head of Mission for Médecins du Monde Tanzania, with over 20 years of experience leading HIV, harm reduction, research, emergency, and humanitarian programs in resource-limited and conflict-affected settings. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, he has worked extensively with marginalized communities, especially people who use drugs, and is committed to strengthening health systems, building partnerships, and leading teams to deliver inclusive and effective public health programs for vulnerable populations

Chelsea Cook is a dedicated community leader and harm reduction advocate serving as Network Coordinator with the HELP Network in rural Manitoba. She works to improve access to hepatitis C testing, treatment, and culturally grounded health services for Indigenous and marginalized communities. Passionate about peer-led initiatives and reducing barriers to care, Chelsea leads outreach events, education projects, and partnerships with healthcare providers. As a young Indigenous mother, she brings lived experience, resilience, and authenticity to her work. She is committed to strengthening equitable rural health responses and amplifying community voices.

Grace is a PhD candidate in the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program at the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney. With her research, she aims to improve access to and the quality of infectious disease care for women from underserved populations, especially pregnant and parenting women.