BAPUD was founded in 2017 as part of the East African HR-HIV Sub-Regional Project, with the Burundian organisation ABS (Burundian Alliance against AIDS) helping to direct funds towards the establishment of the network. Since its creation, BAPUD has been committed to upholding the human rights of people who use or have used drugs, particularly by ensuring they have access to the health interventions their community needs.
The organisation works according to a philosophy of peer support. Through this approach, BAPUD is able to identify areas where drug use is prevalent, and it is in these locations that they carry out a range of awareness-raising activities, including prevention and screening campaigns. For those who test positive for hepatitis, peer educators accompany patients to help ensure they receive at least some form of treatment, even in contexts where access to care is limited. To date, the organisation has screened 147 people who use drugs, with 54.3% testing positive for hepatitis B and 61.8% for hepatitis C. Among the 150 drug users receiving opiate substitution treatment, quarterly testing is guaranteed.
For individuals co-infected with HIV/AIDS and viral hepatitis, the organisation works to facilitate access to treatment and support them throughout the care process. In situations. BAPUD has already organised two advocacy workshops focused on improving access to treatment for people who use drugs and are living with viral hepatitis B and C.
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