Kyrgyzstan, one of the former Soviet republics of Central Asia, is classified by WHO as highly endemic with a prevalence of >3.5%. The epidemic is mainly concentrated among people who inject drugs and is driven by injecting drug use. From 2023, HCV treatment is provided free of charge by the government, but data on access to HCV treatment are still limited. In 2024, community-based HCV testing and treatment was included in the latest version of the National HCV testing and treatment guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health (June 2024).
Association of Health Programs “Partner Network” contributes to global efforts to combat Hepatitis C virus among key populations by finding effective strategies for overcoming barriers to testing and treatment and ultimately promote objectives of WHO hepatitis global strategy associated to eliminate Hepatitis C virus as a threat to public health.
Currently, the Association is implementing a project on free community-based treatment of hepatitis C among drug users.
Also in 2016, the Association participated in the registration of price reduction for sofosbuvir, participated in the development of a clinical protocol, inclusion in the state program on HIV treatment of PLHIV for hepatitis C, and is currently involved in the development and revision of normative legal acts on hepatitis.
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