The Texas Liver Care Foundation is a nonprofit organisation advancing liver and metabolic health through education, outreach, clinical support, and research collaboration. It was founded in January 2025, and it is developing a comprehensive viral hepatitis programme focused on prevention, equitable access, and patient-centred care. The Foundation produces a growing library of short educational videos on hepatitis B, C and D, liver health, and metabolic disease, and maintains an online resource centre offering plain-language information, navigation guides, vaccination resources, and downloadable materials in English and Spanish.
The organisation provides reduced-cost and charitable care for individuals with hepatitis B and C, including linkage to antiviral treatment and HBV vaccination. Its outreach programmes prioritise high-risk groups such as people experiencing homelessness, people who inject drugs, formerly incarcerated individuals, immigrant and refugee communities, and uninsured adults, with emphasis on education, screening support, and connection to services.
The Foundation also promotes access to clinical trials in HBV, HCV, and emerging antiviral therapies, offering education and logistical support to ensure safe and informed participation. A comprehensive hepatitis B and C resource guide further supports testing, vaccination, treatment navigation, and research engagement. Patient experience informs governance through the involvement of a liver-transplant recipient on the Board.
International engagement is strengthened through the Texas Liver Summit, which launches in September 2026 and includes dedicated viral hepatitis programming. Future plans include expanded outreach, community screening initiatives, a patient advisory group, and deeper collaboration with public-health partners. Overall, the Foundation demonstrates a growing, structured commitment to improving hepatitis awareness, prevention, care access, and research participation across North Texas and beyond.
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
