Prof. Rob Moodie

Professor of Public Health 

“I am a Hep Hero because I think that reducing stigma and discrimination against people with chronic illnesses such as viral hepatitis is essential in creating a happier and healthier community.” 

I am a Professor of Public Health at the University of Melbourne.  I have been involved with Hepatitis Victoria in helping develop their strategic planning.  I believe that through behavioral change,  awareness raising and the reduction of stigma we can reduce the impact of many public health problems, especially hepatitis.

I am passionate about global health, and in particular, the health concerns of Indigenous Australians and refugees. A disproportionate number of people seeking asylum are migrants from countries with high prevalence of viral hepatitis, and viral hepatitis also disproportionately impacts Indigenous communities.

People who are already marginalised because of who they are or where they come from are being further marginalised by the unnecessary stigma related to treatable and manageable health conditions such as viral hepatitis.

Having worked internationally in public health, and having suffered the impact of hepatitis myself I encourage us all to speak out against about the devastating effects that silence, stigma and discrimination can have on communities who are impacted by illnesses such as hepatitis.”I am a Hep Hero, because I believe that speaking out against stigma and discrimination is an important piece of the dialogue to create and nurture a healthier community for all Victorians.”