ince the beginning of its activity, Patients with hepatitis has worked hard to put a positive pressure on the decision-making bodies in relation to the budget allocated by them regarding screening, treatment, and provision of quality drugs for patients with hepatitis. It has been possible to increase the government budget for these problems, many drugs have been added to the list of 100% or partially reimbursable drugs. Also, the conditions have been created so that every patient can do basic examinations for screening or therapy procedures. The association has also raised its voice for the fact that patients could find treatment near the respective regional centers, not having to come all near the University Hospital Center in Tirana.
Likewise, a great deal of work has been done in terms of educating patients about hepatitis, by organizing seminars or conversations in small groups (if possible) with patients, inviting hepatitis specialists as speakers.
One of the problems that the association has considered is related to the discrimination that these patients may face in their workplaces due to hepatitis infection. In this framework, there has been good cooperation with other non-governmental associations that represent different groups of people in need. During these years, their association has gained good experience in the field of protecting the rights of people with hepatitis.
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