Charles Howsare MD, MPH

Charles Howsare, MD, MPH, the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s viral hepatitis prevention coordinator, gave a presentation on regional initiatives to curb HIV-Hepatitis C co-infection. Dr. Howsare explained that southwestern PA has been hit particularly hard by Hepatitis C due to the opioid epidemic. According to the CDC, about 80% of HIV-positive people who inject drugs also have hepatitis C. Dr. Howsare noted that the PADOH has worked to address HIV-Hepatitis C co-infection by forging partnerships with community health centers, health systems, and advocacy groups to implement interventions in high-prevalence areas, with a focus on harm reduction strategies.