Officially registered in 2023, Alpha Action for Social and Economic Development (AASED) implements a comprehensive Health Programme that addresses both communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a strong emphasis on prevention, care, treatment, and health system strengthening. Recognizing the rising burden of NCDs in Uganda, AASED is actively working to tackle conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and Viral Hepatitis, which often go undiagnosed and untreated, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
Among these, Viral Hepatitis (B and C) has emerged as a critical area of concern under AASED’s non-communicable disease strategy. Hepatitis B and C are major causes of chronic liver disease and liver cancer, yet awareness, screening, and access to vaccination and treatment remain low in many parts of Uganda.
AASED operates in Bunyoro Region including Nakaseke District as a priority intervention area due to the high risk and low awareness levels among communities. The organization has developed a set of activities aimed at:
Community awareness and behaviour change communication to reduce stigma and educate the public on the risks, transmission, and prevention of viral hepatitis.
Screening and testing campaigns, especially in rural health centres and during community outreach events.
Advocacy for vaccination (especially Hepatitis B), in collaboration with district health offices and health facility partners.
Training of local health workers to improve diagnosis and early management of hepatitis-related conditions.
Although AASED has not yet received dedicated funding for its Viral Hepatitis initiatives, it continues to actively mobilize resources through proposal writing, partnership engagement, and advocacy with local and international donors. The goal is to scale up comprehensive and sustainable Viral Hepatitis interventions in line with the Uganda National Hepatitis Strategic Plan and the WHO goal of eliminating hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
AASED is committed to expanding access to hepatitis prevention and care services while strengthening community and health system resilience against non-communicable diseases.
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