In this interview, we explore global and local efforts to combat viral hepatitis with Lindsey Hiebert, Deputy Director of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination (CGHE), and James Amugsi, a Mandela Washington Fellow and Physician Assistant at Sandema Hospital in Ghana. Together, they provide valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and the importance of partnerships in the fight against hepatitis. Could you both briefly introduce yourselves and describe your roles? Lindsey Hiebert: My name is Lindsey Hiebert.
I am the Deputy Director of the Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination. I joined the Coalition shortly after it was launched in 2019. At the Coalition, I lead the development of the Coalition's overall strategy and manage projects such as our technical assistance, strategic information and data dashboard, and webinar series initiatives.
James Amugsi: I am James Amugsi, a Mandela Washington Fellow, a viral hepatitis advocate, and a Physician Assistant at the Sandema Hospital in the Upper East of Ghana. In the "STOP HEPP C" project, I prescribe antiviral medications to hepatitis C patients and also follow up on their response to treatment. I work in collaboration with a gastroenterologist from the University of Ghana Medical Center.
Besides, I conduct hepatitis B and C awareness creation and screening services to community members, as well as linking people living with chronic hepatitis C to care in various treatment centers within Northern Ghana. Can y.