Supporting Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED), formed in January 2009, is a community-based organisation that strives to empower and improve the socioeconomic and health status of marginalised people, particularly those in underserved communities in Sierra Leone.
The organisation is dedicated to promoting and protecting the social rights and health of the most vulnerable through grassroots action, income-generating enterprises, entrepreneurship, and education. In addition, SEED conducts health campaigns and training sessions on the prevention and management of life-threatening diseases such as Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and malaria, thereby strengthening community awareness and resilience against major public health challenges.
They are recognised by the Government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Local Council.
SEED’s viral hepatitis activities in Sierra Leone focus on promoting the integration and uptake of the Hepatitis B birth dose (HepB-BD) vaccine through policy advocacy, professional capacity building, community engagement, and public awareness initiatives. The organisation works closely with the Ministry of Health’s Hepatitis Programme Department and the Parliamentary Committee on Health to ensure the inclusion of the HepB-BD vaccine in national maternal and child health policies.
SEED also convenes national conferences for senior health professionals, including obstetricians, paediatricians, and gynaecologists, to share updated WHO and CDC guidelines on HepB-BD -emphasising its timing, benefits, and importance for newborn protection.
At the community level, SEED partners with local health facilities to pilot pre-discharge education sessions for new mothers, providing personalised counselling on the vaccine’s role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B. Additionally, SEED develops and broadcasts sensitisation jingles in local languages to enhance public understanding of Hepatitis B, dispel myths, and encourage timely vaccination.
Together, these activities aim to strengthen national health systems, equip healthcare professionals with accurate information, and foster community-driven demand for the HepB-BD vaccine—ultimately contributing to the reduction of Hepatitis B infections among newborns in Sierra Leone.
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