ABOUT US

Who We Are

We are the first hepatitis B community-led organisation that is wholly led by people affected by hepatitis B in Australia. The voices of affected communities are central to our work.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for people impacted by chronic hepatitis B across all aspects of the response including hepatitis B prevention, management, cure and elimination.

About Our Logo

'VOICES' at the centre

The word "voices" is emphasised and centred in the logo, signifying the importance of the experiences and perspectives of people living with hepatitis B. This highlights our commitment to ensuring that community voices are central and amplified in the hepatitis B response.

Circular layout

The circular design of the logo symbolises unity, wholeness, and inclusion representing the continuous cycle of support, advocacy, and awareness we aim to foster. The circles denote community and togetherness, emphasising the collective efforts required to address hepatitis B.

Colour scheme

The green colour used in the logo is globally recognised in the fight against viral hepatitis, representing life and vitality and our dedication to the cause.

Dotted pattern

The interconnected dots around the logo hold deep significance. Firstly, they visualise the invisible thread weaving through people affected by hepatitis B who often share similar concerns, fears, and questions but also hopes and goals. Secondly, the winding pattern of dots represents the bridge between the individual human interface and the various support systems providing ‘pillars of strength’ to people affected by hepatitis B. This elegant yet powerful design conveys the message that whilst each person and experience is unique, individuals gain strength in solidarity and collaboration.

The twisting dots resemble linked DNA strands binding us together, a reminder of our shared humanity. This pattern symbolises the interface between the voices of people living with hepatitis B and the medical and scientific foundation of our collective efforts, symbolising our united pursuit of finding a cure for hepatitis B in a culturally safe and mutually respectful approach.

Helix Pattern

Credit: A heartfelt thank you to our volunteer Mylisa Vu for creatively executing our vision into this beautiful design.

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Nafisa Yussf

Co-founder, Director,
Chair

Nafisa Yussf is the co-founder, Director, and Board Chair of Hepatitis B Voices Australia. With a strong background in public health, community engagement, and social research, Nafisa brings a wealth of experience from both government and non-government sectors. Her work is focused on advancing health equity through leadership, advocacy and policy development. Nafisa takes a holistic, intersectional approach, integrating culturally safe and community-led frameworks to address the unique needs of communities. She is passionate about driving systemic change that improves health outcomes and ensures inclusive and equitable solutions for all.

Lien Tran

Co-founder, Director, Treasurer

Lien is a Vietnamese researcher at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Doherty Institute, Australia. Her research focuses on hepatitis B care delivery in primary care. She is an active advocate for people and communities affected by hepatitis at national and international level. Her advocacy is grounded on personal and professional experience with constant exposure to affected community, health professionals, researchers, and policy makers. Lien co-founded and moderates an online support group for Vietnamese living with hepatitis in Australia. She is current Regional Board Member for the World Hepatitis Alliance, representing the WHO Western Pacific Region

A/Prof Thomas Tu

Co-founder, Director,
Vice Chair, Secretary

Associate Professor Thomas Tu is a molecular biologist with a particular focus on integrated Hepatitis B virus DNA and its role in disease progression. He currently leads a research group at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research in the Storr Liver Centre (Sydney, Australia), where his team focuses on persistent forms of the Hepatitis B virus (covalently closed circular DNA and integrated HBV DNA). He is particularly passionate about developing an HBV cure and mitigating the associated liver cancer, as he himself lives with chronic Hepatitis B. Due to his unique perspectives on Hepatitis B, Dr. Tu is President of the Australian Centre for Hepatitis Virology, the premier Australian society for hepatitis virus researchers. He is also board member of Hepatitis Australia, guiding the strategic direction of the peak national advocacy body for people with liver disease. Importantly, Dr. Tu is founder and Director of HepBCommunity.org (a global support network for people affected with HBV), guiding people through their HBV diagnosis and linking them with trustworthy scientific and medical information. He has won multiple awards for his research and outreach, most recently the 2022 Young Tall Poppy Science award.

Dr Kim Ngo

Director

Dr Kim Ngo is an Australian medical graduate currently working for NSW health as a mental health practitioner. She has an interest in promoting community awareness and advocacy for those living with Hepatitis B especially in disadvantaged populations including those suffering with mental health disorders.

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