

The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) is the only national non-profit organization solely dedicated to the global problem of hepatitis B. We are dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Our commitment includes funding focused research, promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of information for patients and their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general public.
The HBF supports the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, a dedicated research institute with the largest concentration of nonprofit scientists working on finding a cure for hepatitis B. Our website at hepb.org is a primary portal of information with more than 1.5 million unique visits from 180 countries each year. Our website and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube) provide critical, multi-lingual information for the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of hepatitis B, with a strong focus on living with chronic hepatitis B infection. We also publish free newsletters (print and digital), educational materials, and offer a telephone and email help-line which provides personal assistance to over 8,000 people each year.
HBF leads the Hep B United national coalition, which addresses hepatitis B by improving awareness, screening, vaccination and access to care for high-risk communities, including Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and people of African origin. Hep B United has over 30 partners in 29 cities and 19 states throughout the U.S. Together, we have reach over 6 million individuals with hepatitis B messaging screen 20-40,000 high-risk individuals each year for hepatitis B, and offer free patient navigation for infected individuals.
Our #justB storytelling campaign aims to raise the profile of hepatitis B as an urgent public health priority and helps put a human face on this serious disease by sharing stories of real people living with or affected by hepatitis B. The goals of the campaign are to increase awareness and advocacy; decrease stigma and discrimination; and promote testing, vaccination, linkage to care, and treatment to help save lives. We have over 30 patient story videos in 8 languages. HBF also conducts local and national advocacy, and serves as a united voice to call for increased federal funding and prioritization of hepatitis B, and to reduce hepatitis B-associated stigma and institutional discrimination.
HBF looks forward to working with our global partners towards hepatitis B elimination. We seek an expanded vaccination program that will protect everyone around the world; a complete cure that will benefit everyone who is chronically infected with hepatitis B; and for all of those living with hepatitis B to lead healthy and fulfilling lives, free of prejudice and discrimination.
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