Recognizing the severe impact of the hepatitis C epidemic in San Francisco, in early 2008 concerned individuals urged the creation of a task force to formulate a local response. Then mayor Gavin Newsom appointed 32 members of the San Francisco Hepatitis C Task Force, including medical and social service providers, public health officials, hepatitis C advocates, people living with and affected by hepatitis C, and other stakeholders and experts. The SFHCTF began meeting in November 2009, and a year later produced a comprehensive set of Strategic Recommendations grounded in a vision of a San Francisco where:
• Everyone is educated about hepatitis C and has the opportunity to know their hepatitis C status;
• Everyone living with hepatitis C receives the highest level of care and support to ensure their quality of life and longevity;
• There are no new hepatitis C transmissions.
The SF Hepatitis C Task Force continues as an independent advocacy group, updating our Priority Recommendations yearly. We have succeeded in getting a Viral Hepatitis Coordinator at the SF Department of Public Health in 2014 and in procuring increased funding for 2015 and 2016 for SFDPH to perform hepatitis C awareness, screening, and linkage to care activities. We are active members of the California Hepatitis Alliance and participate in national advocacy efforts, while conducting local outreach and education and providing a forum for all hepatitis C stakeholders, analyzing and addressing needs in the City and County of San Francisco.
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