hepVoice Vol.11 | Page 12

World Hepatitis Alliance Activities 8 1 0 -2 7 1 0 2 r fo n io is v ts se A WH Strategic Plan launched Viral hepatitis has been getting traction within the global health agenda in the past few years with 2016 proving to be a truly pivotal time for the disease. In September 2015 the global community came together at the inaugural World Hepatitis Summit to call for a concerted global action towards the disease; this was then followed by its recognition as a global development priority in the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and in May this year 194 governments committed to the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 by unanimously adopting the firstever global strategy on viral hepatitis. Despite these achievements we are still faced with an inexcusable death toll and heart-breaking tales of suffering. Now that elimination is the accepted goal, we have adapted our Global Strategy 20172018 to concentrate on the three fundamental areas that must be addressed to make this possible: • Raising awareness of viral hepatitis • Advocating for viral hepatitis 12 hep Voice November/December 2016 • Ending the social injustice of viral hepatitis We believe this revised approach ensures that the needs of the people living with viral hepatitis continue to be at the very heart of our work and that all our actions are in line with our single overarching vision: a world free from viral hepatitis. New WHA Executive Board announced Our voting members have spoken and the votes have been counted! Following a fiercely contested election, we are delighted to announce our new Regional Executive Board Members for 2016-2018: Africa region Kenneth Kabagambe Uganda European region Ivana Dragojevic Serbia Want to find more about our plans for the next year? Read our Strategic Plan 2017-2018 here. Americas region Ammal Metwally Egypt Su Wang United States S.E. Asia Region Prof R.P. Shanmugam India Our Executive Board plays a vital role in the organisation’s governance and, crucially, provides representation for our patient groups on a regional level. The Board also encourages our members to work together, both nationally and regionally, to give our activities greater cohesion and strength. Eastern Med. Region Western Pacific region Dee Lee China We thank the outgoing board members for their invaluable contribution to our work and their commitment to the cause. Their input over the last two years has been key to the success of WHA’s activities. The next few years will be pivotal in the fight against viral hepatitis so we are greatly looking forward to working with our new board members. hep Voice November/December 2016 13