Globally, an estimated 58 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with far-reaching socio-economic consequences. The World Health Organization has called for the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.
In view of this, healthcare experts from around the region convened at the Hepatitis C Virus Elimination Symposium on 7 Nov 2022 to discuss strategies and share best practices adopted in their nations to eradicate HCV as a public health concern in Asia Pacific by 2030.
The School is pleased to have Prof Chien-Jen Chen from the Graduate Institute of Epidemiology, National Taiwan University College of Public Health, join the session as the esteemed keynote speaker and session chair. Prof Chen shared valuable insights on the core strategies of the Taiwan Hepatitis C Policy Guideline such as precision public health, continuum of care, and localized care delivery.
Subsequently, Dr John Ward, Director of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, shed light on the statuses and progress made towards HCV elimination in Asia and around the world, highlighting the essential components of effective HCV elimination programs and initiatives towards building capacity for hepatitis elimination.
Special thanks to the following distinguished experts for joining Prof Chien-Jen Chen in the panel discussion and sharing their thoughts on strategies and challenges faced in bridging the gaps towards HCV elimination in Asia:
1. Dr Hsien-Hsien Lei (moderator), Chief Executive Officer, The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Singapore)
2. Dr Jasmine Pwu, Director, National Hepatitis C Program Office, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
3. Dr Lee Tau Hong, Head, Antimicrobial Resistance Coordinating Office, National Centre for Infectious Diseases
4. Dr Hannah Clapham, Infectious Diseases Programme Lead and Assistant Professor, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
5. Dr Alisa Pedrana, Senior Research Fellow; Co-Head, Public Health; Co-Head, Implementation Science Group; Eliminate Hepatitis C Australia Coordinator
In addition, the School would like to express our sincere appreciation to Gilead Sciences, Inc. for the tremendous support in making the symposium possible as the event’s Platinum Sponsor.
Catch the replay here: