11 August 2024
On August 3rd, 2024, INHSU hosted a plenary session at the 14th Australasian Viral Hepatitis Conference in Darwin, Australia, called “Driving Change: Mobile Testing Solutions for Hepatitis C.” Over 200 people dedicated to eliminating hepatitis C attended the session.
It featured the premiere of INHSU’s latest film, Connecting with Care Kombi Clinic, which highlights the innovative work of the mobile hepatitis C model of care, Kombi Clinic, based in Queensland, Australia. The screening set the stage for an in-depth panel discussion, chaired by Professor Jason Grebely, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, and INHSU President.
He was joined by frontline nurses and peer workers who are spearheading mobile testing initiatives across Australia, including:
- Alex Wade, Nurse and Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Mid North Coast Liver Clinic and Drug and Alcohol Services
- Mim O’Flynn, Nurse with the Kombi Clinic, Queensland
- Anngie Everett, Nurse at Alice Springs Hospital and researcher at the Menzies School of Health Research
- Jane Dicka, Health Promotion Coordinator and DOPE Coordinator at Harm Reduction Victoria
- Julie Byrne-King, Social Worker and Nurse at Harm Reduction WA
Each panellist shared insights from their experiences, highlighting both the successes and challenges of implementing mobile models of care in diverse environments. Key themes discussed included the impact of mobile units on reaching underserved populations, the logistical challenges of operating in remote areas, and the critical role of peer support and community engagement in ensuring the success of these programs. The panel also delved into the importance of advocacy in influencing healthcare policy to support innovative testing models.
This session not only fostered valuable knowledge exchange but also underscored the importance of mobile models of care in driving the global effort to eliminate Hepatitis C. Thank you to everyone who took part in this successful event.
Watch the Kombi Clinic film
