The Human Rights and Development Organization in Cameroon (HURIFBA) was created in 1999 and officially recognized by the government of Cameroon on November 30, 1999. Their activities on viral hepatitis may include initiatives to raise awareness, prevent, diagnose and treat these diseases, while integrating aspects related to human rights, equitable access to care and sustainable development. Examples of possible or already implemented actions include:
1. Community awareness
Awareness campaigns: Organization of conferences, workshops and community activities to inform the public about viral hepatitis (mainly types B and C), their modes of transmission and prevention measures.
Educational materials: Production and distribution of educational brochures, posters and videos in local languages.
2. Screening and vaccination
Mobile clinics: Setting up temporary screening centres in rural and urban areas to identify carriers of the virus.
Hepatitis B vaccination: Collaboration with partners to provide free or low-cost vaccines.
3. Capacity building
Training health workers on the management of viral hepatitis, particularly in under-medicalized areas.
4. Advocacy and human rights
Access to treatment: Advocacy for the rights of patients with viral hepatitis to benefit from affordable and quality treatment.
Stigma reduction: Initiatives to combat discrimination against those affected.
5. Research and data
Collection and analysis of data to better understand the impact of viral hepatitis in the communities where Hurifba operates.
Collaboration with research institutes to develop adapted solutions.
6. Strategic partnerships
Working with national and international organizations to mobilize resources and share best practices.
7. Integration into other health programs
Linking the fight against viral hepatitis with other programs such as maternal and child health, prevention of HIV/AIDS-related infections, and drinking water to reduce transmission.
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