Presenter: Apoorva Mallya, Executive Director of Hepatitis Education Project (HEP)
In the US, there are more than 3 million people infected with hepatitis C, a disease that has devastating impacts across the body and is a leading cause of liver cancer. Prevalence of hepatitis C is highest amongst people who currently use drugs or have in the past. At the same time, there is 98% effective cure available for hepatitis C that is simple to administer and has low side effects. With the development of this cure, the public health community has set its sights on elimination of hepatitis C, which would prevent cases and save lives for generations. However, reaching elimination would require a major increase in treatment, as less than 1/3rd of people diagnosed with hepatitis C have been treated. A broad group of providers and organizations, particularly those serving people who currently or formerly use drugs, will need to begin offering or expand hepatitis C services to their patients. Come learn more about hepatitis C and potential pathways to scale up hepatitis C services!
A few learning objectives:
About the presenter:
Apoorva Mallya is the Executive Director of the Hepatitis Education Project (HEP) – a nonprofit dedicated to combating viral hepatitis. In this role, he leads the organization’s work to raise awareness, drive supportive policies, educate, and deliver direct services to those at high-risk of viral hepatitis. He works closely with partners to drive towards hepatitis elimination. Previously, Apoorva worked for 15 years at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focused on polio eradication and strengthening immunization systems. Apoorva worked with Governments and partners enhancing operations and developing innovations to overcome the last challenges and stop polio forever. In addition to an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, Apoorva has completed graduate certificates in epidemiology and development economics.
