: The public organisation BCD was officially registered in August 2019, formalising the work that the team had undertaken since 2017 through the Hepatitis C Winners Club initiative in Kyiv. BCD represents the interests of an estimated two million people in Ukraine affected by the viral hepatitis epidemic.
The organisation is united by a shared goal of ensuring a healthy future free from viral hepatitis. Its mission is to reduce the spread of viral hepatitis to zero by building effective partnerships and promoting innovative, internationally informed approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. BCD prioritises simplicity, accessibility, and reliability in the services it provides to affected communities.
BCD’s core activities focus on advocacy and the provision of professional social and medical assistance to people living with chronic viral hepatitis B, C, and D, including those with HIV or tuberculosis co-infection. Its multidisciplinary team comprises community representatives, viral hepatitis specialists, infectious disease doctors, and diagnostic professionals. Since its establishment, BCD has provided medical and social support to more than 5,000 individuals.
The organisation has established strong operational mechanisms and collaborative achievements with the Public Health Centre of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kyiv City Clinical Hospital No. 5 (including the AIDS Centre and hepatology department), primary health care centres, diagnostic centres, and the laboratory network “Hepatitis – Available Tests”. BCD also works closely with other NGOs representing patient communities and providing social support.
Partnerships extend to local government bodies and international organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS. The organisation is regularly contacted by media outlets to comment on issues related to the viral hepatitis epidemic in Ukraine, reflecting its strong public reputation and credibility as a reliable partner.
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