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Concurrent Session 2B: Abstract Session - Surveillance, Screening, and Strategy: Data and Diagnostics in Focus

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Thursday, August 7, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Ballroom 2

Speaker

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Welcome & Introduction

11:30 AM - 11:35 AM

Biography

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Ms Jennifer MacLachlan
Senior Epidemiologist
The Doherty Institute

Who is being left behind? Insights into care of individuals living with hepatitis B in Australia from linked data

11:35 AM - 11:50 AM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Jennifer is the senior epidemiologist at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis at The Doherty Institute. Her work focuses on the innovative utilisation and analysis of publicly available datasets to inform epidemiology and public health action.
A/Prof Miriam Levy
Staff Specialist, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
Liverpool Hospital

Automated universal testing for Hepatitis B in emergency department blood draws improves screening rates and detects the undiagnosed and untreated

11:50 AM - 12:05 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

A/Professor Miriam Levy is a staff specialist and Director of Hepatology at Liverpool Hospital. She holds an FRACP and a PhD from the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on viral hepatitis and liver disease, with >45 peer-reviewed publications. She specialises in hepatitis B/C and liver cancer management.
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Miss Annabelle Stevens
Phd Student
Unsw/ Kirby Institute

Prevalence of hepatitis C infection among people receiving point-of-care testing at community services in Australia

12:05 PM - 12:20 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Annabelle Stevens is a PhD student at the Kirby Institute, UNSW. Her thesis aims to evaluate diagnostic testing methods for hepatitis C to scale up elimination efforts.
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Ms Pippa Bray
Coordinator, NSW Point of Care Testing Programs and Research at Hepatitis NSW
Hepatitis NSW

Peer-implemented point-of-care antibody testing for hepatitis C infection to enhance linkage to hepatitis C RNA testing and treatment: the EMPOWER study

12:20 PM - 12:35 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

With a Master of Public Health and a strong background in outreach for sexual health and blood borne viruses, Pippa brings both expertise and passion to her work. Since joining Hepatitis NSW in 2023, she has led the coordination of outreach programs focused on hepatitis C and hepatitis B, helping to expand access to testing and care across the state. In August 2023, she launched the EMPOWER program, a community-driven initiative aimed at increasing hepatitis awareness and engagement through point of care testing. Pippa is committed to reducing barriers to healthcare and improving outcomes for people affected by viral hepatitis.
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A / Prof Amanda Wade
BBV Lead, BSW PHU
Barwon Health

Viral hepatitis notifications: a cohort study of place-based management in Victoria

12:35 PM - 12:40 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Amanda is an infectious diseases physician and clinician researcher working in viral hepatitis elimination research. She is interested in collaborative models of care and aims to increase viral hepatitis service provision for people in rural and regional areas.
Mr Evans Duah
Phd Student
University Of Pretoria

REASSURED evaluation of the Biolineā„¢ HCV point-of-care testing for diagnosing Hepatitis C Virus infection in primary healthcare settings of Ghana: A diagnostic trial

12:40 PM - 12:45 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Evans is a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Ghana and a PhD Public Health student at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. His research focuses on evaluating point-of-care diagnostics at population level to improve usability, accessibility, and affordability, ultimately decentralizing diagnostics in resource-limited settings across sub-Saharan Africa to enhance patient care.
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Dr Sophy Shih
Senior Research Fellow
The Kirby Institute

Diagnostic testing strategies to enhance diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in Australia: a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis

12:45 PM - 12:50 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Dr Shih is a health economist with extensive experiences in designing and implementing trial-based economic assessments, conducting economic evaluations, and developing economic models. She has strong analytical and quantitative skills with training in Economics, Public Health, and Biomedical Sciences. Her Research covers many topic areas with a focus on prevention.
Ms Nicole Matthews
Research Coordinator
Burnet Institute

Enhancing Indigenous status data in hepatitis C notifications for greater equity and outcomes

12:50 PM - 12:55 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Nicole Matthews is the Research Coordinator for the Connect C project at Burnet Institute, working with health authorities and communities to improve hepatitis C notifications systems. She previously led the CHECCS project, integrating health data into the Victorian Surveillance system. Nicole is passionate about health systems design and community-driven change.
Dr. Alison Marshall
Postdoctoral Fellow
Unsw / The Kirby Institute

The role of health systems in sustainable hepatitis C point-of-care testing in Australia: a qualitative study with policymakers

12:55 PM - 1:00 PM

Abstract (.pdf)

Biography

Alison Marshall is a Senior Lecturer co-appointed at the Kirby Institute and the Centre for Social Research in Health (UNSW Sydney). She conducts both quantitative and qualitative research with a focus on increasing hepatitis C treatment access for people with a history of injection drug use.

Chairperson

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Gregory Dore
Scientia Professor
Unsw/ Kirby Institute

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Shweta Singhal
Director, Communicable Diseases Programs Section
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

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