Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer
Our work uses diverse research methods to identify the enablers and barriers to eliminating hepatitis B and liver cancer worldwide.
About
Hepatitis B infection is a global killer. Without treatment, two people die every minute from liver failure and liver cancer. Primary liver cancer is fast growing and the third commonest cause of cancer death worldwide. Our work aims to achieve hepatitis B and liver cancer elimination worldwide.
Our work combines three strategic research pillars:
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prevent mother to child hepatitis B transmission and improved vaccination coverage
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improve hepatitis B testing, linkage to care and treatment uptake to achieve WHO 2030 hepatitis B elimination targets
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increase prevention and early diagnosis of primary liver cancer.
Our team has expertise in mathematical modelling, novel diagnostics development, epidemiology, health systems intervention trials and qualitative methods.
In addition, to achieve maximal clinical impact, our hepatitis B and liver cancer research programs leverage our unique cross-centre partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital, the University of Melbourne and global collaborations.
Current projects
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Barriers to hepatocellular carcinoma screening uptake in Victoria
People with hepatocellular carcinoma risk factors are recommended to have twice-yearly cancer screenings. We explore barriers to screening adherence.
Public health interventions to achieve hepatitis B elimination and reduce liver cancer
Barriers to hepatocellular carcinoma screening uptake
Exploring barriers to HCC screening adherence and attendance.
Past projects
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Modelling for evidence-based national hepatitis B testing plans
This project assessed the approach of providing hepatitis B tests to potential new migrants from endemic countries.
Identifying the barriers to hepatitis B clinical management: the perspectives of people with hepatitis B
We're identifying the elements of effective clinical management for hepatitis B.
Identifying the structural enablers to the clinical management of people with hepatitis B in general practice: a qualitative investigation
General Practice and other primary health care services are recognised as essential in reducing hepatitis B-related mortality in Australia.
News and features
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NHMRC grants for Burnet hepatitis B and STI research
Burnet projects aimed at reducing the burden of hepatitis B in Australia and STIs will be supported by NHMRC Investigator Grants.
Burnet modelling reveals global economic burden of hepatitis B
New Burnet Institute modelling has revealed the significant cost of hepatitis B deaths globally and emphasises the under appreciated economic burden of hepatitis B.
Burnet is part of global effort to prevent hepatitis C
Burnet Institute and partners have received US$31 million from global health agency Unitaid for an international harm reduction program.
Group contacts
Associate Professor Jessica Howell
Co-head, Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer; Senior Research Fellow
Group members
Associate Professor Jessica Howell
Co-head, Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer; Senior Research Fellow
Professor Margaret Hellard AM
Deputy Director, Programs; Adjunct Professor, Monash University, DEPM.
Dr Bridget Draper
Senior Research Officer
Dr Caroline van Gemert
Co-Head, Pacific Infectious Diseases (Operational Research, Surveillance and Resilience) Working Group
Dr Chris Seaman
Research Officer
Dina Moussa
Research Assistant
Dr Jack Wallace
Senior Research Officer
Dr Jacqui Richmond
Program Manager, Workforce Development and Health Service Delivery, EC Australia
Kali Ameara
Country Representative, Vanuatu; Vanuatu Research Coordinator
Marvad Ahad
Honours Student
