The AIDS Institute Recognized World Hepatitis Day

Supports Action Plan for the Prevention, Care and Treatment for Viral Hepatitis

The resolution was supported by all 193 members and reflects the international realization that action to tackle viral hepatitis is now urgently required. The resolution recognizes the global impact of hepatitis B and C – two diseases that kill one million people a year and which to date have not received the global attention they deserve.  The World Health Assembly has established a robust framework to deliver improvements in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and awareness.  The resolution clearly states the need for global coordinated action to tackle viral hepatitis backed by dedicated resources.  It also provides global endorsement of World Hepatitis Day as the primary focus for national and international awareness-raising efforts.

According to CDC, an estimated 3.5 to 5.3 million persons are living with viral hepatitis in the United States, and millions more are at risk for infection. On May 12, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued Combating the Silent Epidemic of Viral Hepatitis: Action Plan for the Prevention, Care and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis which outlines actions, based on scientific evidence and extensive real-world experience that will serve as a roadmap for reaching the Healthy People objectives.

HHS is committed to ensuring that new cases of viral hepatitis are prevented and that persons who are already infected are tested; informed about their infection; and provided with counseling, care, and treatment. The success of these actions is contingent on departmental and interagency collaboration, stakeholder support, and engagement of the diverse communities being served. Also critical to the success of the plan are policy-related support and system changes, which likely will be brought about by the Affordable Care Act. The Viral Hepatitis Action Plan will serve as the guide for HHS agencies working to combat the silent epidemic of viral hepatitis.

“The announcement of HHS’s Action Plan was a great example of our nation’s leadership and proactive work in addressing viral hepatitis. On World Hepatitis Day, we can continue to raise awareness and education and promote the Action Plan’s important strategies,” comments Michael Ruppal, Executive Director of The AIDS Institute.

The World Hepatitis Alliance and supporting groups work with governments and the World Health Organization to address the prevention of new infections and providing much needed support to the 500 million people living with viral hepatitis worldwide. For more information or to download campaign materials, please visit the following website:www.worldhepatitisalliance.com.