

Vision Outreach Zambia was officially registered in May 2022 and has been working with our member Hepatitis Initiative Zambia in the area of community mobilisation and awareness towards the screening of patients identified to be with HIV for possible Hepatitis B in Lusaka province (Luangwa and Lusaka districts). VOZ has participated in the Hepatitis B symposium held in 2024.
Vision Outreach Zambia (VOZ) in collaboration with Ministry of Health Zambia and other partners have witnessed how community engagement and social mobilization can bring about change in the way people respond to HBV PMTCT services from the current work being done in Luangwa district. To maintain momentum and sustain the effectiveness of the project after grant funding ends, the organization will employ the following strategies:
•Diversify Funding: Pursue additional funding sources, including government funding, private sector partnerships, and individual donations.
•Capacity Building: Continue building capacity and expertise among healthcare workers, community leaders, and organization staff as well as using community based networks to carryout activities
•Community Engagement: Foster a strong community of advocates and champions for hepatitis elimination involving traditional leaders to influence change
•Integration with Other Health Programs: Integrate hepatitis services with other health programs (e.g., HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health).
•Sustainable Financing Mechanism: Establish a sustainable financing mechanism, such as a social enterprise or public-private partnership.
•Monitoring and Evaluation: Maintain a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and inform decision-making.
•Partnerships and Collaborations: Strengthen partnerships with governments, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and private sector entities. Furthermore, using existing structures to coordinate the implementation of the project as well as the local authorities as the entry government institution in the implementation process
•Advocacy and Awareness: Continue advocacy and awareness efforts to maintain political will and community support.
•Institutionalization: Embed hepatitis elimination efforts within existing health systems and government structures.
•Innovation and Adaptation: Encourage innovation and adapt to changing circumstances, technologies, and best practices.
By employing these strategies, the organization can ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the project, ultimately contributing to the elimination of viral hepatitis.
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