Velázquez and Johnson Reintroduce Resolution in Support of World Hepatitis Day

Velázquez and Johnson Reintroduce Resolution in Support of World Hepatitis Day
 

Washington D.C.— Today, on World Hepatitis Day, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) reintroduced a resolution raising awareness about the issues surrounding hepatitis B and C.

Each year, thousands of Americans die of viral hepatitis, and another 75,000 are infected. Worldwide, an estimated 520 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B and C, and an estimated 1.3 million die as a result of these viruses annually. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and the incidence of liver disease caused by these viruses, have become urgent problems of a global proportion. Notably, African Americans, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Latinos, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, members of the LGBTQ community, and persons who inject drugs intravenously all have higher rates of chronic viral hepatitis infections.

“Far too many Americans have died because of hepatitis, a viral disease that disproportionally effects communities of color and the LGBTQ community,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “I’m proud to reintroduce this resolution recognizing that hepatitis as a public health priority. With greater comprehensive public education and information regarding available treatments, we can manage this burgeoning epidemic.”

“I’m proud to join my colleague Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez to reintroduce this resolution in support of World Hepatitis Day,” said Congressman Johnson, who is both a champion for hepatitis patients and a survivor of Hepatitis C. “We know how devastating this silent killer is in our communities, and we won't sit idly by when we have effective, affordable treatments and vaccinations. By recognizing World Hepatitis Day, we hope to encourage every citizen to check their vaccination status and get vaccinated or treated to protect themselves and their loved ones from this disease.”

The Centers for Disease Control has labelled viral hepatitis a public health priority. The Department of Health and Human Services has released an updated Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan focused on the elimination of viral hepatitis by improving viral hepatitis-related health outcomes, reducing viral hepatitis–related disparities and health inequities, and improving surveillance and data usage. Diagnosis remains a major issue. Only 10% of people with chronic hepatitis B know their diagnosis and just 21% of those with chronic hepatitis C know theirs. Development of point-of-care testing and self-testing is desperately needed, along with campaigns to test and treat.

This resolution is cosponsored by: Reps. Terri Sewell (D-AL), Grace Meng (D-NY), Jill Tokuda (D-HI), Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), Adam Smith (D-WA), and Danny K. Davis (D-IL). 

A PDF of the resolution can be found here.

“World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to recognize the challenges of the 300 million people who are living with hepatitis B. We cannot stand by while people continue to die from this preventable and treatable disease. Raising awareness through efforts like this resolution is essential to elevating the voices of the millions around the world who need access to hepatitis B prevention, treatment, and care,” said Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, President, Hepatitis B Foundation.

The health inequities that people living with hepatitis B face can take a physical, social, and mental toll on individuals and their families. With the new universal hepatitis B vaccination and screening recommendations in the U.S., we can make great strides in increasing hepatitis B preventative services and linking people to the care they need. We are thankful for the Members of Congress who continue to support the communities impacted by hepatitis B and uplift the need for resources to combat this virus, said Frank Hood, MPS, Director, Hep B United, Associate Director of Policy and Partnerships, Hepatitis B Foundation.

“World Hepatitis Day and this Congressional Resolution serve as important reminders that hepatitis continues to impact millions of people throughout the world, including here in the United States. It is also a time to remember all those who have died and suffer from the viruses.  But, it is also a time to remind us that there is hope, and with the proper resources and policies, we can prevent, treat and even cure some forms of hepatitis with more on the horizon,” said Carl Schmid, Executive Director, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute.

“This resolution sends a strong message to all adults that hepatitis B and C are important public health issues in the United States. It doesn’t matter how you got it; Get tested, Get Treated, Get Cured,” said Ronni Marks, Patient, Founder/Director, Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group-HCMSG.

“At Global Liver Institute, we believe that liver health is public health. World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity for us to create vital awareness to elevate the voices of our liver community to ensure that everyone has access to hepatitis B prevention, care, and treatment as well as focusing on health equity,” said Sarah Manes, Liver Cancers Program Director at Global Liver Institute.

“It is worrying to learn that more than 70 million people worldwide suffer from hepatitis C. The fact that this curable virus can be fatal if left untreated is even more alarming. That is why World Hepatitis Day is a crucial event, as it allows us to raise awareness about this virus and educate those at risk about the importance of getting tested and treated. By taking action in this way, we can make a positive impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide,” said Lorren Sandt, Executive Director, Caring Ambassadors Program.

“Hepatitis B disproportionately impacts communities of color, including many Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and African immigrants. With updated screening and vaccination guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, it is critical now more than ever for providers and community-based organizations to screen, vaccinate, and educate on this silent disease,” said Jeffrey B. Caballero, executive director of AAPCHO. “Advocacy and community collaboration are essential to ensuring Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other individuals at risk have access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services. AAPCHO commends Representative Nydia Velazquez for introducing this resolution in Congress. Along with our community partners, advocates, and Congressional champions, we are committed to bringing more attention and resources through Congress and the administration to finally eliminate hepatitis B,” said Jeffrey B. Caballero, executive director, AAPCHO.

“World Hepatitis Day 2023 marks an important opportunity to renew domestic and international commitments to eliminate the public health threat of viral hepatitis. As the U.S. moves towards eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV), we must work together to ensure that all communities across the world have the tools to prevent new infections, scale up testing to identify those living with hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), HCV, and hepatitis D virus (HDV), and provide affordable treatment to all who need it,” said Stephen Lee MD, MBA, DHSM Executive Director, NASTAD.

This resolution is endorsed by: Hepatitis B Foundation, Hep B United, NASTAD, NVHR, The AIDS Institute, HIV + Hep Policy Institute, AAPCHO (Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations), Caring Ambassadors Program, The Hepatitis C Mentor and Support Group-HCMSG, Global Liver Institute.