COLDA
Meeting category
Date(s)
19 Sep 2024 - 21 Sep 2024
Important dates
Abstract Submission Deadline
Friday 14 June 2024
Early Fee Registration Deadline
Sunday 14 April 2024
Program Language
English
Location
Cairo, Egypt
Meeting type
Hybrid Meeting
Society on Liver Disease in Africa

Conference on Liver Disease in Africa (COLDA) 2024

General
Welcome

Co-organized by SOLDA and Academic Medical Education in close collaboration with regional societies, COLDA 2024 aims at empowering healthcare professionals (HCPs) to diagnose, prevent, treat, and achieve a cure for liver diseases for the benefit of patients in Africa.

This being the 7th COLDA, we continue to cultivate a platform that provides a unique opportunity for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and other healthcare professionals in the African region. Together with support from an international community of experts, they will exchange knowledge on the latest developments and achievements in the management of viral hepatitis and liver disease with a special focus on the African context.

We aspire to provide you with a highly scientific and educational abstract-driven conference consisting of keynote speeches, state-of-the-art lectures, oral and poster abstract presentations, roundtable discussions, and debates with ample time for discussion.

We are certain that the conference will act as a catalyst for translating science into clinical practice while promoting medical education in the field of hepatology and setting up collaborations within the African region. Everyone will have an exceptional opportunity to share and acquire knowledge, and experience a wide spectrum of topics related to liver disease.

Program Chairs 2024
Local Chairs 2024
General Information 
Who Should Attend?
• Physicians
• Hepatologists
• Gastroenterologists
• Researchers
• Other healthcare professionals (nurses, clinical officers, community health workers, among others)
Meeting Objectives
COLDA aims to:

- Gather experts from the African region involved in the research, diagnosis, and treatment of liver diseases in an interactive conference setting;

- Discuss the diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative efforts of liver disease tailored to regional and local needs, translating best practices into daily practice guidelines and policies;

- Contribute towards hepatitis elimination efforts;

- Leverage on the findings from international studies through the delivery of updates from major meetings that can be applied at the local and regional level to combat liver diseases;

- Facilitate a robust dialogue among participants through interactive networking and a networking reception; and

- Foster new and lasting interdisciplinary partnerships and collaborations among various researchers to improve knowledge sharing with aim of combating liver diseases in Africa.
Learning Objectives
After participating in COLDA, participants will be able to:

- Discuss the epidemiology and treatment of liver disease at an individual and population level;

- Ensure the knowledge and availability of HBV and HCV therapy and their correct usage;

- Discuss evolving modalities of monitoring liver disease and their availability in the African setting; and

- Update on new developments in the investigation of liver disease and their use in an African setting.
Practical Information 
Accommodation
Accommodation is not included in the registration fee.
Badges
All participants are requested to wear the badge at all times during the conference to ensure admission to the meeting.
Certificate of Attendance
A certificate of attendance will be sent to you after successfully completing the program and post-meeting survey.
Language
The official language of the conference is English
Enduring Materials
Conference materials can be obtained upon registration at the registration desk at the Conference Venue.
Disclaimer
This conference is intended for educational purposes only and aims to offer participants the opportunity to share information. The Organizing Secretariat of this event, Virology Education, cannot accept any liability for the scientific content of the sessions or for any claims which may result from the use of information or publications from this meeting. Virology Education disclaims all liability for injuries or losses of whatever nature incurred by individuals attending the conference.
Liability and Insurance
By registering for the conference participants agree that the organizers do not accept responsibility for medical-, travel- or personal insurance. Participants are advised to take out their own insurance policies.
Photographs, Audio, and Video Recording
Photographs, audio, and video recordings are not permitted at the official meeting sessions. Only the official medical writer appointed by the organization may make recordings. All presentations will be posted here as soon as possible after the workshop is finished, provided the speaker has given permission to do so.
Code of Conduct
All attendees, speakers, co-organizers, partners, endorsers, suppliers, volunteers, and employees at any of our programs are expected to observe our Code of Conduct. We cannot tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, disrespect, or the marginalization of those involved in our programs. All participants of VE and AME-organized programs are expected to treat others with dignity and respect at all times.

Any individual who feels discriminated against, harassed, disrespected, or marginalized is encouraged to report the incident(s) to VE and AME via info@amededu.com or to one of our on-site personnel.
Any participant who is found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be removed from the program.
Registration

Registration is now open!

Fees and Conditions

Physical Participation

Regular Delegates 

RLS* / ECI

Industry 

Early Registration (payment before/on 14 April 2024)

€595

€50

€795

Standard Registration (payment before/on 15 September 2024)

€795

€75

€995

Late Fee (payment from 16 September 2024)

€895

€100

€1095

  

Virtual Participation

Regular Delegates

Virtual

RLS* / ECI

Virtual

Industry

Virtual

Early Registration (payment before/on 14 April 2024)

€495

€50

€695

Standard Registration (payment before/on 15 September 2024)

€695

€75

€895

Late Fee (payment from 16 September 2024)

€795

€100

€995

   

Discounts

Early-Career Investigators / Regular Delegates from Resource-Limited Settings (RLS)* WITH accepted abstract

Complimentary Registration

NGO Representatives / Government Representatives (i.e. MOH, NIH, NIAID, etc.) / Advocates

50% Off Current Regular Fee

Members of Endorsers  

25% Off Current Regular Fee

Sponsors 

Contact Secretariat 

If you are eligible for a discount or have have financial concerns, please contact the conference secretariat via Hana.Agustine@amededu.com.

*Countries included in the low-income and middle-income economies list of the World Bank Classification

Important
  • We strongly advise that you register early to ensure your registration. Registration will close when the capacity of the venue is reached.

  • Submission of your online registration does not guarantee that your registration has been accepted. Your registration is final when full prepayment has been received and a confirmation of your registration has been sent.

Registration Fee Includes
For onsite attendees:
- Access to all scientific sessions, including poster area
- Conference pack, including abstract book and program
- Refreshments during the coffee breaks
- Buffet lunch on meeting days

For virtual attendees:
- Access to all scientific sessions
- Digital workshop pack, including the program

IMPORTANT:
- No day rate is available
- Payment can only be made by credit card.
- Virology Education reserves the right to cancel improper registrations. Claims for a refund will not be honored.
Group Registration
For registration of groups larger than 5 participants, please use the Group Registration Portal.
Early-Career Investigators / Regular Delegates from Resource-limited Settings (RLS)
We are pleased to waive the registration fee for early-career investigators and Regular Delegates from low-income and lower-middle-income countries with an accepted abstract.

IMPORTANT: The fee waiver is offered to the presenting author only.

To be eligible as an early-career investigator, one should either be a current Master/PhD student or have obtained an MD/PharmD/PhD degree in the last five years. An application form needs to be completed by a supervisor and received by the Virology Education secretariat at least two weeks prior to the start of the workshop. Virology Education will contact the early-career investigator with instructions regarding the registration procedure.
Payment
By credit card only: online or by written authorization (see online registration).
Cancellation Policy
In case of cancellation, the following refunds are applicable:

- Cancellation before/on 19 August 2024: 50% refund (minus an administration fee of €40)
- Cancellation after 19 August 2024: Unfortunately, no refund will be given

If you are unable to attend the conference, a substitute delegate is always welcome at no extra charge, provided that a letter of authorization from the original participant has been received and the conference secretariat has been notified of the name of the substitute delegate before 5 September 2024. A statement (email/letter) of cancellation must be sent to AME.
Liability and Insurance
By registering for the conference, participants agree that the organizers do not accept responsibility for medical, travel, or personal insurance. Participants are advised to take out their own insurance policies.
Media Registration
In order to register as a media participant for the Conference, the conference secretariat needs to receive:

1. Proof of accreditation
2. Valid identification (e.g. passport)
3. A letter from your assignment giver stating the details of your assignment (e.g. editor)
4. At least 3 previous written assignments in recognized outlets on hepatology. If you are a freelance journalist, the assignments can be from different (recognizable) news outlets. Links to online publications are accepted
5. The website of the publication(s)/blog(s) that will be featuring your story on this conference

A complimentary or reduced registration fee may apply for accredited media participants depending on availability. Preference will be given to credible print and online news sources. Please contact the conference secretariat for registration conditions.

We would like to receive a copy of your workshop report/ article once it is finalized.
All credentials will be verified by the Organizing Committee of the Conference. Media representatives are kindly requested to register by sending the above-mentioned information to info@amededu.com.

Important: Media is restricted to the written press. Recording on film or photo is not allowed. AME will request a copy of the written piece once it is finalized. Media representatives must also agree to abide by the 2024 embargo policy.
Disclaimer
This conference is intended for educational purposes only and aims to offer participants the opportunity to share information. The organizing secretariat of this conference, AME, cannot accept any liability for the scientific content of the sessions or for any claims which may result from the use of information or publications from this conference. AME disclaims all liability for injuries or losses of whatever nature incurred by individuals attending the conference. In case of cancellation of the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances, AME cannot be held responsible for expenses made for travel, accommodation, visa applications, etc.
Program
- parallel sessions

The program is currently under development and subject to change.

The below times are set in Eastern European Summer Time (EEST). Please, use this tool to convert the timing into your time zone.

Thursday, 19 September
Capacity Building Sessions - 08:30
08:30 EEST
Ultra Sound Monitoring / Interventional Radiology / FibroScan/ Endoscopy
08;30 EEST
Pediatric Liver Disease
10:00 EEST
Coffee Break
Opening of the Conference -
10:30 EEST
Welcome Words
Manal Hamdy El-Sayed, MD, PhD
Ain Shams University, Egypt
Wendy Spearman, MBChB, FCP, FRCP, MMed, PhD
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Mark Nelson, MA, MBBS, FRCP
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital / Imperial College Medical School, United Kingdom
10:45 EEST
General Introduction
11:00 EEST
WHO Hepatitis B Guidelines
Philippa Easterbrook, MD, FRCP, MPH, DTM&H
World Health Organization, Switzerland
11:25 EEST
African Perspective on the Implementation of the Guidelines
Wendy Spearman, MBChB, FCP, FRCP, MMed, PhD
University of Cape Town, South Africa
11:50 EEST
Patient Perspective on New Guidelines and Its Implementation
12:30 EEST
Panel Discussion
13:00 EEST
Lunch
Session 1: Basic Virology -
14:00 EEST
Basic Virology of Viral Hepatitis - Know Your Alphabet
Dieter Glebe, PhD
Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
14:20 EEST
Definition of Functional Cure - New Monitoring Tools
Harry Janssen, MD, PhD
Erasmus MC, University Hospital Rotterdam, the Netherlands / Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Canada
14:40 EEST
Discussion
Session 2: Diagnostics of Viral Hepatitis -
14:55 EEST
Clinical Case - Introducing the Topic (Hep E Focussed)
15:05 EEST
Point of Care Testing - Viral Hepatitis
Edith Okeke, BMBCH, FWACP, FRCP
University of Jos /Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
15:25 EEST
(Double) Reflex Testing for Hep B and Hep D
Geoffrey Dusheiko, MBBS, FCP(SA), FRCS
King's College Hospital / University College London Medical School, United Kingdom
15:45 EEST
Discussion
16:00 EEST
Coffee Break
Session 3: Viral Hepatitis in Pregnancy -
16:30 EEST
Clinical Case - Introducing the Topic (Hep E Focussed)
16:40 EEST
Viral Hepatitis During Pregnancy
Manal Hamdy El-Sayed, MD, PhD
Ain Shams University, Egypt
17:00 EEST
(Triple) Elimination of Vertical Transmission / Path to Elimination for HIV
Simani Gaseitsiwe, PhD
Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Botswana; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, United States
17:20 EEST
Abstract Driven Presentations
17:40 EEST
Discussion
18:00 EEST
Welcome Reception & Poster Viewing
Friday, 20 September
Industry Supported Symposium -
08:30 EEST
Industry Supported Symposium
Session 4: Liver Transplantation -
09:00 EEST
Liver Transplantation - How to Start a Liver TX Program / Egypt’s Experiences with Setting up Liver TX
09:20 EEST
Liver Transplantation - Cote d'Ivoire
Elie Keli, MD
Treichville University Hospital, Cote d’Ivoire
09:30 EEST
Liver Transplantation - South Africa
Eduard Jonas, MB, ChB, MMed, FCS, PhD
University of Cape Town / Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa
09:50 EEST
Liver Transplantation - Algeria
Nabil Debzi, MD
Algerian Society of Hepatogastroenterology and Endoscopy / Mustapha Hospital Algiers, Algeria
09:50 EEST
Discussion
10:00 EEST
Coffee Break
Session 5: Industry Session - Go-to-Market Strategy -
11:00 EEST
Company Researchers: Presenting on Their Pipeline
12:00 EEST
Lunch
Industry Supported Symposium -
13:00 EEST
Industry Supported Symposium
Session 6: Liver Disease & Comorbidities -
2:00 PM
Clinical Case - Introducing the Topic
14:10 EEST
The Role of NCDs and LD
Gibril Ndow, MD, PhD
MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, The Gambia
14:30 EEST
Role of Neglected Tropical Diseases in LD/Schistosomiasis
Imam Waked, MD, FRCP, FAASLD
National Liver Institute (NLI), Egypt
14:50 EEST
Abstract Driven Presentation
15:00 EEST
Abstract Driven Presentation
15:10 EEST
Discussion
15:25 EEST
Tea Break
AASLD Session: AILD Clinical Research in Africa -
15:55 EEST
Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis
16:15 EEST
Clinical Presentation and Management of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Kidist Yimam, MD
California Pacific Medical Center, United States
16:35 EEST
Autoimmune Hepatitis in Pediatric Patient Population
Manal Hamdy El-Sayed, MD, PhD
Ain Shams University, Egypt
16:45 EEST
Understanding the Natural History of Autoimmune Liver Diseases in Under-represented African Patient Population
Kidist Yimam, MD
California Pacific Medical Center, United States
Wendy Spearman, MBChB, FCP, FRCP, MMed, PhD
University of Cape Town, South Africa
16:55 EEST
Discussion
SOLDA Session: (HCC) Clinical Cases -
17:20 EEST
Introduction: Prevalence of HCC in Africa - rapid changes / new HCC guidelines
Early Detection of Liver Cancer / Biomarkers
Lewis Roberts, MBChB, PhD, FAASLD
Mayo Clinic, United States
Multiomic Perspectives of HCC
Sanju Sobnach, MBChB, FCS (SA)
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Panel Discussion: Involvement of Immunologists, Pathologists and Radiologists
18:05 EEST
End of Day 2
Saturday, 21 September
Special Interest Groups - 08:00
08:00 EEST
Special Interest Groups - Discussion Session
EASL Session: Advancements in Hepatology - Navigating MASLD and ACLF - 09:00
09:00 EEST
Concept and Consequences: Exploring the Implications of the New MASLD Nomenclature
09:15 EEST
EASL ACLF Guideline and Beyond: Emerging Trends and Considerations
09:30 EEST
Interactive Round Table Discussion: Gathering Insights and Perspectives
09:55 EEST
Summary of Key Takeaways and Closing Remarks
Best of Posters -
10:00 EEST
Best of Posters - Short Poster Presentations
10:30 EEST
Coffee Break
Special Session - WHA -
11:00 EEST
Special Session - WHA
Session 7: Elimination of Viral Hepatitis - Governmental Endorsement -
12:00 EEST
Perspective of Africa CDC
Abdulaziz Mohammed, MBBS, MHPM, MPH-FE, FWACP
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Ethiopia
12:10 EEST
Perspective of WHO African Region (AFRO)
Casimir Manzengo, MD, MPH
World Health Organization, Gabon
12:20 EEST
Egypt's Collaborative Efforts: Country Examples
13:10 EEST
Discussion
Closure of the Conference - 13:30
13:30 EEST
Closing Remarks
Manal Hamdy El-Sayed, MD, PhD
Ain Shams University, Egypt
Wendy Spearman, MBChB, FCP, FRCP, MMed, PhD
University of Cape Town, South Africa
Mark Nelson, MA, MBBS, FRCP
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital / Imperial College Medical School, United Kingdom
Committees
Organizing Committee
Nabil Debzi
Nabil Debzi, MD
Algerian Society of Hepatogastroenterology and Endoscopy / Mustapha Hospital Algiers, Algeria
Ward, John 2023
John Ward, MD
Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health / Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, United States
The members of the Organizing Committee are a group of carefully selected experts and inspirational leaders in their respective fields. They meet frequently to discuss the scientific program of the workshop, identify interesting topics and candidate speakers, and review all submitted abstracts.
Scientific Committee

To augment the organizing committee, the following are scientific committee members

  • Mary Afihene, MBChB, FWACP – Kwame Nkrumah University / Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana 

  • Kosh Agarwal, MD - King’s College Hospital, United Kingdom

  • Bisi Bright, BPharm(Hons), MPH, FPCPharm, FPSN, C.Psych - LiveWell Initiative (LWI), Nigeria

  • Alice Guingané, MD, MPH - Bogodogo University Hospital Center / University of Montpellier, Burkina Faso / France

  • Kenneth Kabagambe - National Organization for People Living with Hepatitis B, Uganda

  • Olufunmilayo Lesi, MD, MBA, FWACP, FMCP - World Health Organization, Switzerland

  • Emmanuel Musabeyezu, MD, FCP(SA) - King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda

  • Yvonne Nartey, MBChB, MSc, MPhil - Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Ghana

  • John Rwegasha, MBChB, MMed, FRCP(Lond), MSc - Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania

  • Edford Sinkala, MD, PhD - University Teaching Hospital / University of Zambia, Zambia

  • Sonjelle Shilton, MPH - Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Switzerland

  • Mark Sonderup, BPharm, MBChB, FCP(SA), MMed - University of Cape Town, South Africa

  • Elijah Songok, MD, PhD - Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kenya

  • Christian Tzeuton, MD - Douala Medical School / Société Camerounaise de Gastro-Enterologie, Cameroon

  • Lewis Roberts, MBChB, PhD -  Mayo Clinic, USA

  • Geoffrey Dusheiko, MBBS, FCP(SA), FRCS - King's College Hospital / University College London Medical School, United Kingdom

The members of Scientific Committee are hand-picked by the Organizing Committee and the conference secretariat based on their significant contributions and commitment to the field. They assist the Organizing Committee by providing them with suggestions for speakers and topics. In addition, members of the Scientific Committee participate in reviewing submitted abstracts, and play an active role during the workshop as moderators and/or chairs of sessions.

Abstracts

Submit Your Abstract

Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday 14 June 2024

Soumettez Votre Résumé

Date limite de soumission des résumés: vendredi 14 juin 2024
Abstracts
  • Registration fees for COLDA 2024 are WAIVED for all abstract presenters that qualify as either academia from Resource-Limited Settings or Early-Career Investigators.
  • Abstracts can be submitted in either English or French.
  • Abstract submitters are strongly encouraged to use person-first language in their abstracts. View the video tutorial and guidelines here
  • Abstracts will be accepted either for oral or poster presentations. Presenters of all accepted abstract are expected to attend in person. Virtual presentations will not be accepted.
Topics for Abstract Submission

For purposes of review and programming, abstracts are divided into topical categories.

The selection of the most appropriate category is important as it determines who reviews your abstract. The Program Committee reserves the right to reassign your abstract to a more appropriate topics.

   

Topics for submission:

  • Civil Society Experience: Delivery of Care
  • Liver Disease Diagnostics Tools
  • End Stage Liver Disease (Incl. Cirrhosis, HCC)
  • HBV Prevention, Testing and Treatment
  • HCV Prevention, Testing and Cure
  • Hepatitis Co-Infections
  • Hepatitis Vaccinations
  • Hepatobiliary Surgery
  • Implementation Elimination Strategies
  • Other Causes of Hepatitis (Incl. Infectious, ETLG, Fatty Liver, Drug / Alcohol)
  • Pediatric Liver Disease
General Guidelines

COLDA 2024 accepts new original data as well as encored abstracts. All abstracts must focus on the African region and contain up-to-date information at the time of the conference. 

Abstracts should contain the following four components:

  • Background: A concise statement of the issue under investigation or a hypothesis;
  • Material and Methods: The experimental methods used (including the statistical analyses employed);
  • Results: Specific findings (promises such as "to be completed" or "to be presented" are not acceptable);
  • Conclusions: A summary of findings that are supported by your results (statistical analyses used to support the conclusions, where appropriate, should be included; concluding statements such as "the results will be discussed" are not acceptable).

Please note that abstracts cannot be accepted if tables or graphs are included. The maximum word count for the abstract body is 350 words.

Abstracts are considered official communications to the conference and will be treated confidentially. Submitters of accepted abstracts agree to attend the meeting and present their abstract as scheduled. 

We encourage you to use person-first language in your abstract(s). View our guidelines here.

Abstract Submission
Authors can submit their abstracts electronically until Friday 14 June 2024. You will be redirected to the submission website. Please follow the step-by-step directions to upload the abstract. To ensure your abstract retains any special characters or formatting, the abstract must be in Microsoft Word format.
Poster Presentation Instructions
Posters need to meet the following dimensions: A0 size (approx 33" x 47"), portrait format
Poster presenters are requested to stand near their posters during the poster session.
We advise you to prepare hand-outs of your poster on Letter or A4 format.
Please hang your posters as early as possible. All posters must be displayed from the opening session to the closure of the meeting.
Pushpins and/or velcro will be provided.
Terms and Conditions
By submitting an abstract to a meeting organized by Academic Medical Education BV (AME), the abstract submitter hereby agrees to the terms and conditions.

The terms and conditions can be viewed here: https://academicmedicaleducation.com/abstract-submission-terms-and-conditions
Notification for Abstract Acceptance
It is the responsibility of the corresponding / presenting author to inform all co-authors of the abstract’s status (accepted / not accepted). We aim to send out notifications at least 1 month prior to the start date of the event. Please notify the Conference Secretariat if you have not received a notification by end-July. If your abstract is accepted, one author is required to register for the workshop and present in person as scheduled. Guidelines for preparing your oral and/or poster presentations will be sent after your abstract has been accepted.
Support

Financial backing helps us deliver an impactful meeting experience for the benefit of healthcare professionals and community representatives involved in liver diseases in Africa.
 
This collaboration plays a vital role in both the organizational as well as the scientific success of the program.
 
To show your commitment to the cause and get in touch with us for a tailored support package, please contact Magda Sevlidou at magda.sevlidou@amededu.com or call +31 30 230 7147.
 
Benefits of Support 
By supporting this program, we can offer the following advantages for your company.* Please contact us for the most recent support level benefits for this program.

  • Symposium opportunities
  • Verbal acknowledgment during the program 
  • Discounted and complimentary registrations for your representatives
  • Company acknowledgment on digital meeting materials including but not limited to newsletters, flyers, program book, the streaming platform, and our website
  • Digital advertising opportunities 
  • Social media shout-outs
  • Logo on the digital conference bag 
  • Exhibition

 
*Subject to the support level

Endorsers
Endorsers
Partners

A 25% discount on the meeting registration fee is offered to the members/employees of our endorsers. Please reach out to your organization for your discount code.

If you would like your organization to endorse COLDA 2024, please contact Hana Augustine at Hana.Augustine@amededu.com.

Previous Editions
Top-Rated Materials from Previous Edition
 

The Story of Hepatitis C: Translating Science to Clinical Reality - Harvey J. Alter, MD, MACP

COLDA 2021

Language
Ratings previous edition
The activity was well-planned
4.9
(178)
Content is relevant to my practice
4.9
(178)
Content was presented clearly
5.0
(178)
Content was free from commercial bias
4.7
(178)