The Internation Network on Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU) is an international organisation dedicated to scientific knowledge exchange, knowledge translation, and advocacy focused on hepatitis C prevention and care for people who use drugs.
People who use drugs are disproportionately affected by hepatitis C. Further, the burden of hepatitis C-related disease in this group continues to grow at alarming rates and represents a major cost to the healthcare system. However, the majority of those affected are currently not adequately reached. Therefore, increasing hepatitis C testing, linkage to care, treatment and cure among people who use drugs is of paramount importance.
The objective of INHSU is to create a global network that works with local partners to support health care workers, policy makers, researchers and people who use drugs to increase hepatitis C prevention and care. The vision of the organisation is all people have access to high quality, compassionate, and equitable health care.
OUR WORK FOCUSES ON THREE GOALS
1. Support and facilitate scientific exchange and dissemination of knowledge
2. Educate health professionals, researchers, community organisations, people who use drugs and policy makers on hepatitis C prevention, screening, linkage to care, and treatment
3. Collaborate with other societies, government organisations, professional associations, community members, institutions and individuals to advocate for hepatitis C prevention and care among people who use drugs.
Key activities that INHSU undertake include an annual international conference, education activities through Europe, Canada and Australia, and policy and advocacy work. All of these specifically focus on the issues related to hepatitis C and associated health concerns for people who use drugs.
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