Since 1998, the Association of Justice and Mercy (AJEM) has been visiting all penitentiaries in Lebanon and providing counseling to all the prisoners in their varied locations. This access has also given us opportunities to organize and conduct individual and collective interventions with the incarcerated population and to work on several programs and projects throughout the years. AJEM runs a comprehensive harm reduction programme at its Rabieh Center, targeting key populations at heightened risk, including people who use drugs, individuals with a history of incarceration, and other marginalized groups. The programme focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for HIV, hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, and malaria, delivered through an integrated, client-centered approach. The Rabieh Center provides a safe and stigma-free environment where individuals can access essential health and support services.
Hepatitis B and C Services:
● Screening and diagnostic testing for hepatitis B and C with pre- and post-test counselling
● Vaccination for hepatitis B, especially for those not previously immunized
● Referrals to hepatology specialists for antiviral treatment and liver function monitoring
● Education sessions on transmission, liver health, and treatment options
● Support for treatment adherence and prevention of reinfection among high-risk individuals.
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
