SPYM, founded in 1986, is a nationally recognized organization dedicated to improving public health and social outcomes for vulnerable and marginalized communities. Their work focuses on addressing substance use, HIV/AIDS, TB, mental health, and the needs of street-connected populations through community-based, evidence-driven interventions. SPYM has been at the forefront of addressing Viral Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS, adopting an integrated approach combining prevention, treatment, care, research, and community outreach.
HIV/AIDS: SPYM has managed Targeted Interventions (TIs) with high-risk groups, established and operated Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centres, and provided technical support for HIV prevention and control programmes across multiple states. It has also implemented the Link Worker Scheme in North-East India, extending HIV awareness, testing, and services to rural and underserved populations.
Viral Hepatitis: In alignment with the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP), SPYM has carried out large-scale awareness campaigns, screening and testing initiatives, and facilitated access to treatment services. Recognizing the overlap of risk factors, these activities are often integrated with HIV programmes.
HepC3P: SPYM is an implementing partner under the Hepatitis C Community Partnership Programme (HepC3P), focused on community-based hepatitis C prevention, testing, treatment, and care. The programme emphasizes working with people who inject drugs (PWID) and other vulnerable populations to strengthen early detection and linkage to care.
HCVST (Hepatitis C Self-Testing): SPYM in collaboration with PATH has also piloted HCV self-testing (HCVST) study, aimed at empowering individuals to know their status in a confidential and accessible manner, and research about the acceptability and usability of such kits in India.
Through these interventions, SPYM continues to contribute significantly to the national and global response against HIV and Viral Hepatitis, improving access to services, reducing stigma, and promoting health equity among marginalized and high-risk groups.
Community Outreach: Awareness generation through street plays, counselling sessions, peer educator networks, and capacity building of frontline health workers on HCV prevention and management.
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
