Dr Jane Davies, was instrumental in establishing the Menzies collaborative hepatitis B research program in the Northern Territory. Dr Davies is also the co-Director of Infectious Diseases at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH), and has been an integral part of the Top End Health Services (TEHS) response to COVID-19, including the establishment of the Pandemic Clinic at the hospital in the Menzies clinical building.

Having a research background in the clinical setting is an enormous benefit said Dr Davies.

“The fact that we don’t have a treatment or a vaccine means we have to go back to basics and basic scientific principles to address this rapid spread of COVID-19,” said Dr Davies.

“There is an astonishing amount of literature being produced globally about treatment and containment of COVID-19, often with limited peer review. Being able to quickly provide accurate, critical analysis of the literature helps us put in place an effective response.”

Dr Davies is still finding time to oversee the hepatitis B research program and is thankful to her research colleagues at Menzies who have been contacting research participants and staff in remote communities to check on their ongoing treatment and provide information about COVID-19.

“Those most at risk are people with signs of co-morbidity conditions such as respiratory issues, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, renal problems and the aged.

“This response is a marathon not a sprint, I would like to thank everyone for going above and beyond to make so many things happen in a short space of time to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the Northern Territory.

“Please continue to follow medical advice, stay at home where you can so we can continue to protect everyone in our community and particularly those most at risk,” said Dr Davies.

Menzies in return would like to thank Dr Davies for being in the front line of the response to COVID-19.

Read more about Dr Jane Davies' research here.