Golden Young Organization has been actively engaged in viral hepatitis advocacy, prevention, and response since registering in 2021, with a primary focus on hepatitis B. Its work spans project design, resource mobilisation, community engagement, and stakeholder advocacy, reflecting a strong and sustained commitment to hepatitis elimination.
The organisation has submitted more than four competitive grant and institutional funding applications to support the implementation of hepatitis screening and awareness initiatives. These proposals focused on expanding community-based testing, strengthening early diagnosis, and improving linkage to care, and were informed by local epidemiological needs while aligning with national and global hepatitis elimination targets. Although funding has not yet been secured, the process has strengthened the organisation’s grant-writing capacity and strategic approach to proposal development.
In parallel, the organisation has actively participated in multi-stakeholder meetings, forums, and advocacy platforms to raise hepatitis-related concerns, share community perspectives, and contribute to policy dialogue aimed at improving access to vaccination, testing, and stigma-free care. These engagements have consistently highlighted the importance of integrated yet differentiated hepatitis services to reduce stigma, particularly where services are linked to HIV clinics.
At the community level, the organisation has delivered awareness and sensitisation activities addressing hepatitis transmission, prevention, vaccination, and the importance of knowing one’s hepatitis status. It has also strengthened referral linkages with health facilities to support screening and follow-up care.
Overall, the organisation’s viral hepatitis work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3, strengthens community-led responses, and aligns with the World Hepatitis Alliance’s mission to amplify grassroots action towards eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
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
