BeWell Childcare Initiative (BCI) is a registered non-profit organisation led by community-focused practitioners committed to improving the wellbeing of children, young people, and families in rural Uganda. While BCI supports a broad range of health and social development needs, its expanding work in viral hepatitis is a central component of its health agenda.
BCI integrates viral hepatitis prevention, screening, and referral into its community outreach activities, with a particular focus on pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, adolescents, and other vulnerable groups. Health education sessions delivered through community meetings, local leaders, Village Health Teams (VHTs), and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) cover modes of transmission, prevention, the importance of testing, and pathways to care.
The organisation works closely with the Ministry of Health, the Nakaseke District Health Office, and Biddabuggya Health Centre III to secure commodities, technical support, and strengthened referral systems for Hepatitis B screening and elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT). Partnerships with Rotary clubs and foundations further sustain these interventions.
A major milestone was the first-ever Triple Elimination Medical Camp, held in Nakaseke District on 21–22 November 2025. The two-day event served 758 clients and provided integrated services focused on the elimination of HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B. The camp delivered Hepatitis B testing and counselling, targeted pregnant and breastfeeding women, and significantly increased community awareness while reinforcing referral linkages for those who tested positive.
BCI continues to document community needs and service gaps to inform future collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other implementing partners. These efforts form the foundation of BCI’s growing role in hepatitis prevention, early diagnosis, and linkage to care in hard-to-reach communities.
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
