-
Stories

HEP Hero Fran Bramwell

August 1, 2017

Dr Fran Bramwell

“I am a HEP Hero because I believe people with viral hepatitis have a right to better health and I enjoy my role in this journey.”

I became aware of the consequences of chronic viral hepatitis whilst working overseas in developing countries. I was even involved in mass vaccination campaigns that I now realize may have spread viral hepatitis. In emergency situations these days different technologies and resources are much improved.

I moved from the refugee health sector to work with people who inject drugs in 2001. I have been an advocate for primary care management of hepatitis C since then and despite some opposition from some within the tertiary sector have persevered. Till 2016 the numbers our team at Health Works have treated has been minuscule.

The evolution of the Direct Acting Antivirals for the treatment and cure of hepatitis C has made the eradication of hepatitis C within reach. Our work needs to continue to ensure all people who inject have expanded access to safe injecting equipment, hepatitis B vaccination and HIV prevention measures.

The message that there is safe, effective, short duration treatment of hepatitis C needs to be common knowledge in all communities, not just in communities that are more directly affected by the epidemic. I really feel that there needs to be a coordinated whole of Australia awareness campaign.

Using those from affected communities such as people who inject or people from countries of high viral hepatitis prevalence to inform and assist in the development and implementation, will ensure that messages are sensitive, relevant and de-stigmatising as much as possible .

The biggest barrier to the success of current campaigns and treatment initiatives is the enormous stigma associated with both hepatitis C and hepatitis B.

Whole of population education and increased engagement of the health and social welfare sectors with affected groups such as injecting drug users would increase treatment uptake and also assist in the long term engagement with health providers around an issue that is about achieving a positive health outcome i.e. , the cure of hepatitis C or the optimal management of hepatitis B.

Australia has a major role to play in showcasing our commitment and assisting our neighbors. I have learnt so much from the people I see in clinic and also from approaches to communicable disease health promotion in Asia and Africa. We can share our knowledge and experiences and work together towards eradication of hepatitis C and improved management of hepatitis B.

Dr Fran’s message to others:

Viral hepatitis is everyone’s business. We all have a role to play in the prevention of viral hepatitis through our actions in society and/or as a worker. It is only through collective action and breaking down stigma and discrimination that we will decrease the burden of viral hepatitis.

LiverLine
We are here to answer your queries and support you. Call or chat with us online.
LiverWELL acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
We welcome people from all cultures, nationalities and religions. Being inclusive and providing equitable services is our commitment.

ABN 48 656 812 701

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we work - the lands of the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We express our gratitude to them for their continued care and curation of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

LiverWELL observes and honours the Kulin Nation's intrinsic connection to land, sky and water, and the creator Bunjil. LiverWELL is committed to being led and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on bridging health outcomes for communities and improving liver health.