Concurrent 3A: Surviving and thriving in a crisis: the impact of community advisory boards in peer-led responses, sharing experiences and interventions
Tracks
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| Thursday, October 16, 2025 |
| 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM |
| Hall A |
Details
Since August 2023, a number of representatives from across the world have come together as an advisory board for the Unitaid Hepatitis C Portfolio Projects – a multi-consortium program of research across 10 LMICs. The research includes projects on Long-Acting Depot Buprenorphine (LADB) and Low Dead Space Needle and Syringe (LDSS/N). The Community Advisory Board (CAB) has not only ensured the program runs smoothly and meaningfully involves communities in the design, development and implementation of the project, but has also provided a space to share insights and experiences when faced with crisis’s. Recently, these crises have included funding terminations and wars that have not only resulted in unimaginable levels of pain, suffering and destruction, but have also left communities without access to critical and life-saving harm reduction programs and services.
Speaker
Ms Robin Montgomery
Coordinator
Inpud
Overview of Unitaid Project
11:20 AM - 11:35 AMBiography
Mr. Lasha Abesadze
Executive Director
GeNPUD
Panel Discussion
11:35 AM - 12:15 PMBiography
Mr. Aniedi Akpan
Executive Director
Drug Free And Prevention Healthcare Organisation (DAPHO)
Panel Discussion
11:35 AM - 12:15 PMBiography
I am a drug user and drug user activist. I am experienced in peer mobilization and Harm Reduction service provision.
Mr. Anton Basenko
Executive Director
International Network of People who Use Drugs (INPUD)
Panel Discussion
11:35 AM - 12:15 PMBiography
Based in Brussels now, but formerly from Kyiv, Ukraine. Master’s degree in international economy. Globally known activist of the community of people who use drugs and OST patients, people living with HIV and lived experience with HCV. Since 2010 started his work in HIV and TB-service, Harm Reduction and advocacy field in local and national NGOs in Ukraine. Since 2013 worked for international Alliance for Public Health, coordinating international and national projects of HIV, TB, viral hepatitis prevention and treatment among key populations as well as advising on Communities, Rights and Gender issues. Author of different articles, guidelines and publications for communities and professionals. Founder of PUD.UA/VOLNa. Formerly Board member of INPUD and EKPC. Member of the Communities Delegation of the Global Fund Board and CCM of Ukraine. Since 2021 he is a Programme Manager on Quality of Life in EATG team. Community Manager at the European Federation of Allergies and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) in 2023-2024. Since 2025 is an Executive Director of the International Network of People who Use Drugs (INPUD).
Mr Juma Kwame Mhina
Executive Director
TaNPUD
Panel Discussion
11:35 AM - 12:15 PMBiography
Mr Abdullahi Muktar
Outreach Coordinator
Drug Free And Preventive Health Care Organization (dapho)
Panel Discussion
11:35 AM - 12:15 PMBiography
Abdullahi Muktar is an experienced Outreach Worker with the Drug Free and Preventative Healthcare Organisation (DAPHO), dedicated to supporting people who use and inject drugs (PWUD/PWID). With over five years of experience in community outreach and harm reduction services, he plays a vital role in promoting safer injection practices, improving access to health services, and providing psychosocial support to key populations. He has lived experience of injection practices with peers, which strengthens his connection with the community and enhances the effectiveness of his interventions. Abdullahi is passionate about reducing HIV and Hepatitis C transmission and advocating for the health and human rights of people who use and inject drugs. Phone:(+234) 0706-669-2301
Ms Vielta Parkhomenko
Member, Chair
Club Eney, VOLNA
Panel Discussion
11:35 AM - 12:15 PMBiography
Vielta Parkhomenko is a feminist activist from Ukraine with lived experience of drug use. She uses her personal story to support and empower other women who use drugs. Vielta holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and has over a decade of experience in NGO leadership, training development, and project coordination.
Chairperson
Annie Madden
Project Lead
International Network of People Who Use Drugs (INPUD)
Angela McBride
Executive Director
SANPUD
