hepatitis C

World Hepatitis Day Provincial Event: Pretoria

World Hepatitis Day Provincial Event: Pretoria

The World Hepatitis Day Provincial Events (Durban, Cape Town, East London, Polokwane and Pretoria) concluded on Tuesday, 14 August 2018.  TB HIV Care hosted the final event, in collaboration with the NDOH, at the NDOH’s Impilo Boardroom in the Civitas building, Pretoria.

The event included:

  • A talk, ‘Secure the Future’, from Ms Phangisile Mtshali Manciya of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation (who funded the viral hepatitis study among  key populations)
  • An overview of hepatitis B and C from Dr Sarah Stacey (Charlotte Maxeke Hospital)
  • The World Health Organization’s vision of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030 (presented by Dr Brian Chirombo)
  • SANAC’s support for hepatitis services (by Dr Nevilene Slingers)
  • Findings from the viral hepatitis initiative among key populations in South Africa (Andrew Scheibe and Katherine Young)
  • Performance of HCV point of care and dry blood testing and HCV genotypes (the NICD’s Dr Nishi Prabdial Sing)
  • Hepatitis treatment from the providers’ perspective (a video submission from Prof. Wendy Spearman and Dr Mark Sonderup)
  • A discussion around the way forward with Dr Kgomotso Vilakazi Nhlapo (NDOH) and Andrew Scheibe (TB HIV Care’s Technical Advisor)

Once again, a highlight of the programme was a panel discussion with people affected by hepatitis. Connie van Staden, from the South African Network for People Using Drugs (SANPUD), facilitated the discussion.

The day was a great success (with well over 100 delegates) and we have had fantastic feedback from the NDOH, presenters and delegates alike. Many thanks to Andrew Scheibe, Katherine Young and the entire TB HIV Care team for making it happen!

Bhekisisa (Mail & Guardian) covered the event, and you can read the full article here.

World Hepatitis Day Provincial Events

World Hepatitis Day Provincial Events

Funded by the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, The viral hepatitis C initiative for key populations in South Africa is a cross-sectional study led by TB HIV Care, in partnership with Anova Health Institute, OUT Well-being, The National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the Division of Hepatology at the University of Cape Town.

Study findings are now being disseminated at World Hepatitis Day Provincial Events, which TB HIV Care is hosting in collaboration with the National Department of Health. The events, taking place in Durban, Cape Town, East London and Pretoria, will:

  • Share updates on the draft South African National Viral Hepatitis Guidelines and South African Hepatitis Action Plan
  • Share study findings of the viral hepatitis initiative among key populations in South Africa: prevalence data and the utility of various HCV testing options
  • Discuss experiences and challenges around HBV and HCV prevention and treatment in South Africa
  • Discuss plans to move towards the elimination of viral hepatitis in South Africa

The first event took place in Durban on Wednesday, 11 July. We had a fantastic turn-out, including representatives from the NDOH, KZN DOH, UKZN, staff from Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and Grey’s Hospital, Ethekwini DOH, CDC, Abbot, Cepheid and BMSF. The Deputy Mayor also attended and said a few words at the event.

The various presentations, including the study findings, were well received. A panel discussion with people who inject drugs (PWID) was particularly impactful as it gave a very ‘human’ and emotional  perspective from people living with hepatitis.

The event made the evening news. To watch the SABC clip, click here.

The second event took place in Cape Town on Thursday, 19 July. We hosted the event at our Cape Town Drop-in Centre and welcomed guests from the NDOH, Western Cape DOH, CDC Atlanta and various partners.

The evening included presentations by Katherine Young (Strategic Information and Research Manager), Neliswa Gogela (UCT Division of Hepatology), Charles Mugero (NDoH) and Kevin Rebe (Anova Health Institute representative), but it was once again the panel discussion with people who inject drugs (PWID) that proved to be the highlight of the event. Hearing personal accounts from people living with hepatitis is extremely powerful.

The hepatitis ‘roadshow’ continues in East London on the 3rd of August and in Pretoria on the 14th of August.

For more information, please contact linsey@tbhivcare.org.