hepVoice Vol.16 | Page 12

Where in the world... Infectious Disease Symposium: A Clear Direction Ahead in Infectious Diseases Breakfast Dialogue on Access to Hepatitis C Treatments Kigali, Rwanda Geneva, Switzerland On 8-9 May WHA Executive Board Member for the African Region Kenneth Kabagambe attended the Infectious Disease Symposium in Kigali, Rwanda. At the event, which brought together delegates from Uganda and Rwanda, Kenneth held a side meeting in collaboration with Dr. Jean Damascene Makuza, Ag. Director of Viral Hepatitis and STIs, Ministry of Health Rwanda to discuss NOhep and the Government of Rwanda’s potential role in the movement. Throughout the event, Kenneth encouraged delegates to sign up to NOhep and take part in this year’s World Hepatitis Day campaign #ShowYourFace. On 16 May WHA President Charles Gore attended a meeting organised by the South Centre, the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Ecuador, Coalition PLUS and UNITAID. At the event Charles delivered a presentation on hepatitis C while Former President of Colombia, H.E. Ernesto Samper Pizano who contracted hepatitis C from a blood transfusion following an assassination attempt gave a keynote address. Following the meeting the South Centre released a research paper on ‘Access to Hepatitis C Treatment: A Global Problem’. Improving Outcomes in the Treatment of Opioid Dependency Berlin, Germany On 17-18 May the Improving Outcomes in Opioid Dependency meeting took place in Berlin, Germany. WHA was present at the event and during a workshop on 12 hep Voice May 2017 complexities and commonalities in hepatitis C care, we spoke on topics of new opportunities for improved patient outcomes and complex cases in hepatitis C management. hep Voice May 2017 13