AINGA/AIDES is a non-profit organisation created in 1996 committed to improving community health in Madagascar. It has currently become a leading organisation in implementing the harm reduction program related to injection drug use and serves more than 1,561 people. During the two editions of the International Screening Week campaigns with the support of the Coalition Plus through the Indian Ocean Platform, apart from the number of HIV cases detected, the organisation was able to screen 179 cases of Hepatitis, including 16 HBV+ and 163 HCV+ cases. However, the costs of treating infections and vaccination remain inaccessible or even unavailable in the country. Faced with this worrying situation, the organisation has made advocacy and actions aimed at improving access to Hepatitis services for these vulnerable population groups among its priorities. After detecting cases of Hepatitis among its beneficiaries during the two editions of “International Screening Week” in 2023 and 2024, AINGA/AIDES has made Hepatitis one of its priorities. Faced with the limited access of its beneficiaries to care and treatment services, the organisation has conducted related advocacy campaigns. In addition, the organisation has strengthened awareness campaigns about Hepatitis and plans to include among its routine activities the provision of Hepatitis screening services for all beneficiaries, including people who inject drugs and prisoners and their partner(s). Despite these initiatives, the lack of necessary resources is a limitation for the organisation.
Hepatitis and PWID/harm reduction
11:35 – 11:40
Chair: WHO – Intro and set the scene.
11:40 – 11:55
Co-chair: EMCDDA – Monitoring viral hepatitis elimination among PWID in Europe.
11:55 – 12:00
ID 29: Ema Pos (not yet registered)
Title: If the mountain won’t come to Mohammed: lessons from a decentralized Infectious Disease consultation.
12:05 – 12:10
ID 152: Brian Conway (Registered in person)
Title: Community Pop-up Clinic: Cascade of Care and HCV Treatment of Vancouver’s inner-city PWID Populations.
12:10 – 12:15
ID 212: Jasmine West (not yet registered)
Title: From lived experience to lived expertise: a syndemic approach.
12:15 – 12:20
ID: 299 Mercy Nyakowa (Registered in person)
Title: HCV and HBV prevalence and associated risk factors among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Kenya
12:20 – 12:25
ID: 133 Nalinikanta Rajkumar (Registered in person)
Title: Rapid regimen of HBV vaccination: Does it work for high risk groups?
12:25 – 12:30
Q&A and closing remarks
tHIS
IS
BEN’S
BIG
TEST
effective case finding strategies
Supported by Vir Biotechnology, Inc
During this session you will hear from hepatitis Delta expert, Dr. Maria Buti, and a patient who has lived with hepatitis Delta in a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Carey Hwang, Chief Medical Officer (interim) of Vir Biotechnology. This panel will inform perspectives on patient needs, opportunities for enhanced screening, and strengthening linkages to care.
Session Agenda
14:40 – 14:45
Panel overview and introductions facilitated by Dr Carey Hwang (Vir Biotechnology)
14:45 – 15:05
Panel discussion: Dr Maria Buti (University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, Spain), Milanka Barbosa, Dr Carey Hwang (Chief Medical Officer interim), Vir Biotechnology
15:05 – 15:10
Final remarks and close