Photo by Louis Reed on Unsplash
ATLANTA [TAC] – In honor of World Hepatitis Day on July 28, the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE) has recognized four exceptional health pioneers for their extraordinary contributions to health equity and the global drive to eliminate viral hepatitis.
The 2026 Elimination Champions are:
- Dr. Siale ‘Ataongo Hausia, a dedicated physician working to test and provide linkage to care for hepatitis B in a remote Pacific island group in the Kingdom Tonga
- Dr. Limas Kupcinskas, a researcher and clinician combining clinical expertise, public advocacy, and policy engagement to accelerate hepatitis elimination in Lithuania
- Dr. Elaine Saayman, a doctor who uses her clinical and community building skills to bring hepatitis B and C care to challenging urban environments in South Africa
- Dr. Saythya Herath, a physician who has integrated hepatitis B and C screening and care into routine treatment for HIV and other conditions among high-risk populations in Sri Lanka
Selected by an independent international panel following an open call for nominations in March 2026, these honorees were chosen for direct initiatives that produced measurable improvements in prevention, testing, and care delivery within their communities.
This year’s judging panel featured notable global health leaders, including:
- Tommy Good, Roche Senior International Product Manager (Hepatitis), CGHE board member)
- Ashley Hill, MPH, Global Health Communications Specialist, The Task Force for Global Health
- Shaibu Issa, Director, Tanzania Health Alliance, 2025 Elimination Champion
- Anthony Martinez, Medical Director, Hepatology, Erie County Medical Center, 2024 Elimination Champion
Selection was based on documented evidence of direct initiatives that expanded access to care, influenced policy, or mobilized local resources in high-burden or remote regions. For more information on the 2026 Champions and global elimination strategies, please visit the Elimination Champion Awards and the globalhep.org.
The CGHE is a program of The Task Force for Global Health which aims to eliminate viral hepatitis B and C globally by accelerating knowledge sharing, providing technical assistance, and supporting country-level health equity.
