• Post By: Mukuye Ashiraf
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• 07^th November, 2025

Report on the LC3 Study Conference: Leveraging HIV Care Infrastructure for Implementation of Context-Adapted Liver Cancer Comprehensive Control Strategies in Uganda

Theme: Leveraging HIV Care Infrastructure for Implementation of Context-Adapted Liver Cancer Comprehensive Control Strategies in Uganda

Date: 28th – 29th July 2025
Venue: Protea Hotel, Entebbe

Introduction

Liver Health Foundation participated in the LC3 (Leveraging HIV Care Infrastructure for Implementation of Context-Adapted Liver Cancer Comprehensive Control Strategies) conference held from 28th to 29th July 2025 at Protea Hotel, Entebbe. The event brought together health professionals, researchers, and policy experts to discuss practical approaches to integrating liver cancer care into the existing HIV care infrastructure in Uganda.
This report provides a summary of key insights, takeaways, and reflections from the sessions attended on behalf of the Foundation.

Conference Overview

The LC3 conference featured two main sessions, two keynote presentations, and several networking opportunities among participants from different health institutions.
The discussions centered on the integration of liver cancer management into HIV care systems, highlighting ongoing research, clinical challenges, and opportunities for collaboration in the fight against liver-related diseases in Uganda.

Key Takeaways

The sessions provided valuable insights into both the scientific and operational aspects of managing liver cancer alongside HIV care. The major takeaways included:

• Strategies for integrating liver cancer care within existing HIV service delivery frameworks.

• Prevention approaches such as vaccination against Hepatitis B and awareness creation to reduce infection rates.

• The importance of pre-investigation and early diagnosis for liver cancer and Hepatitis B.

• Strengthening the role of expert clients in preventing infection and supporting community education.

• Enhancing decision-making in the treatment (Rx) and management of Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

• Understanding the regional trends and infection patterns among different population groups, including children and adults.

• Prioritizing screening and management of HBV during HIV care to improve outcomes.

• Improving care delivery in rural areas and refugee settlements.

• Clarifying policies and operational frameworks for sustainable integration of HBV and liver cancer management.

• Establishing clear roles for participants and stakeholders in the LC3 study implementation.

• Encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange to strengthen community-level liver health interventions.

Key Presentations and Reflections

Dr. Mugaga – World Health Organization (WHO)

Dr. Mugaga emphasized:

• The importance of vertical planning and coordinated research in addressing co-existing diseases like HIV and liver cancer.

• The need to identify links between the two diseases, not just service relations.

• WHO’s support for pilot programs involving Hepatitis B management.

• The importance of framework development despite funding limitations.

Dr. Gregory Kirk – Johns Hopkins University

Dr. Kirk provided a detailed overview of the H2U Project (HIV and Cancer in Uganda), which includes:

• Project 1: Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) control strategies.

• Project 2: HCC screening and surveillance studies.

He noted that research findings indicate men are disproportionately affected by HCC, though the underlying reasons remain unclear.

Prof. Ochama

Prof. Ochama reflected on the progress made over the last two decades in HIV care, emphasizing the potential to leverage these systems for liver cancer control.
He explained that HCC predominantly affects aging populations and outlined a five-year target plan to scale up the LC3 initiative:

• Year 1: Adapt and plan LC3 implementation within HIV care infrastructure.

• Years 2–3: Evaluate LC3 package integration and effectiveness.

• Years 4–5: Identify contextual factors for sustaining LC3 services as part of routine HIV care delivery.

Working Groups and Future Directions

The conference concluded with the formation of working groups tasked with developing community-based strategies to advance LC3 goals. These groups will focus on:

• Community mobilization and awareness creation

• Case identification and referral systems

• Family and psychosocial support

• Road drives and outreach initiatives

• Community-based research and linkage to care

Conclusion

Liver Health Foundation’s participation in the LC3 conference reinforced our commitment to improving liver health outcomes in Uganda. The discussions highlighted the urgent need to integrate liver cancer management into HIV care, harnessing existing infrastructure to achieve better prevention, screening, and treatment results.

The insights gained will guide the Foundation’s advocacy and programmatic efforts in shaping national strategies for comprehensive liver disease control. We remain dedicated to working with partners, health agencies, and communities to ensure that liver cancer prevention and management become an integral part of Uganda’s public health agenda.