APCOM has a primary focus on HIV because it is a key health issue for gay men and other men who have sex with men in the region. APCOM also addresses other related health issues for our communities such as sexual health, mental health and drug use.
APCOM also focuses on improving relevant human and legal rights across the region as discrimination, stigma, criminalisation and exclusion impact on the health outcomes of the communities we serve.
APCOM has a long standing partnership with WHO and UNAIDS, and have been working in partnership to integrate HIV, STI and viral hepatitis, in particular the the WHO Department of Global HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections Programmes (HHS), especially since the International AIDS Conference in 2022
https://www.apcom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Report-APCOM-AIDS2022-Engagements_v4-web.pdf
APCOM is on the WHO civil society and community reference group convened by the Department of Global HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections Programmes (HHS).
During Covid-19 time, APCOM was a Regional Advisory Group member to lead the regional arm on Key Populations of the ASHM (Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine) COVID-19 Taskforce which was established on the 20th March 2020. The taskforce provideed healthcare workers in the BBV and Sexual Health sectors with timely, high-quality evidence and guidance on the scientific, clinical, treatment, prevention and research aspects of COVID-19 regarding their patient populations living with or at risk of BBVS and people in need of sexual health care. The Regional Advisory Group held a webinar on Covid-19, HIV, Sexual Health and Viral Hepatitis. What’s the new normal for the Asia Pacific? – https://www.apcom.org/our-executive-director-midnight-on-the-ashm-regional-advisory-group-on-bbvs-sexual-health-and-covid-19/
In 2024 at the AIDS Conference in Munich, APCOM partnered with WHO again on a session on STI:
https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/07/21/default-calendar/mobilize-for-action-on-sexually-transmitted-infections
APCOM’s current work on hepatitis has been on STI integration advocacy with HIV services particularly through community-led clinics.
They have partnered with WHO, UNAIDS, and ASHM.
They have partnered with WHO at the World Health Summit 2023 that discussed the challenges posed by STIs and potential solutions with multi-sectoral stakeholders, including civil society networks, private sector, academics, and representatives of ministries of health. APCOM was also invited to speak at the AIDS 2024 in Munich with WHO to emphasize the significance of STIs within the broader context of global health and the global HIV response, and ensures community-led response, particularly from the key populations. It would be a great addition to our SEARO region members just in time for the WHS 2026.
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
