The 11th International Hepatitis C Conference - Online Report
I am pleased to welcome you to the online report on the 11th International Hepatitis C Conference, which took place in Manchester on November 16th this year.
When developing the programme for this year's conference, we chose the theme of Breaking Through. This theme recognised that hepatitis C was currently on the brink of a major break-through at a national level. Governments in Wales, Scotland and England are now recognising the public health necessity of aggressively tackling hepatitis C and the need to balance clinical research with a real understanding of the multitude of social difficulties and stigmas which are effective barriers to reaching those most at risk.
This opportunity can only be fully realised through the type of broad based partnership working which encompasses public health bodies, research institutes, private sector companies and voluntary sector groups, backed by firm Government action from the highest levels.
As an organisation which works on the front line with those affected by hepatitis C, we realise that this opportunity is of vital importance to ensuring that those living with the virus are given the best possible treatment and care, while at-risk groups and the general population are properly educated about how to prevent infection.
Conference Programme
Though certainly a packed day, the conference programme did give delegates the opportunity to get something of a ‘state of the nation' for current thinking on major issues and themes surrounding hepatitis C. We were delighted that Dr Brian Iddon MP for Bolton South and Vice Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Hepatology Group gave the keynote address at which he outlined in detail the steps which have been taken by the English government to tackle hepatitis C but also highlighted the desperate need for a more assertively and coordinated approach before the virus becomes a crushing burden on the NHS.
During the morning sessions, delegates were given a global ‘whistle-stop' tour of how hepatitis C is being treated in regions as culturally, economically and politically diverse as China, Australia and America. This was followed by a mid-morning session which examined some of the specific issues and themes which have become to be recognised as shared by all those seeking to combat hepatitis C. It is also featured an update on the clinical progress of new treatments, some of which undoubtedly show much promise and will provide hope for millions of people across the world.
The afternoon parallel sessions were themed to provide delegates an opportunity to discuss issues with direct relevance to their discipline. The sessions were structured around a main speaker, followed by a series of abstract presentations, and we were delighted to welcome researchers from across the UK, as well as Spain, the Netherlands and America.
Finally, the evening session was devoted to analysing the various action plans which are currently in place in England, Scotland and Wales, including the personal perspectives of those living with hepatitis C.
Acknowledgements
We are proud that despite the enormous challenges of our current economic climate, we were able to organise such a successful event. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to the event; to our partner organisations and those who sat on our steering committee, to our wonderful speakers for giving their time, to our sponsors, to the Lowry Hotel and all Mainliners staff and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.
See you next year!
David Badcock
CEO
Report Structure
Each of the sessions have been given their own page, which can be viewed by clicking on the appropriate menu option on the left of the screen.
Each presentation can be downloaded in powerpoint form. Due to the length of presentations, most have been split into two or three parts. In these cases, the first part has been placed on the website and a link to the Mainliners Youtube channel has been included where you can view the second or third parts.
If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact us.
