Recognizing Leadership to Combat Viral Hepatitis

In the United States, millions of Americans are infected with viral hepatitis, a life-threatening disease, with more than two-thirds unaware of their infection.

Though this disease can affect anyone, viral hepatitis impacts certain communities more than others. African Americans, American Indians, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, the baby boomer generation (those born between 1945 and 1965), and people living with HIV are all disproportionately affected by viral hepatitis. Rates are also higher among people who inject drugs. 

All forms of viral hepatitis pose serious health threats, but building public awareness can help prevent new cases and more effectively treat this epidemic and related health issues such as HIV and substance use disorders.  Thanks to the tireless leadership of researchers and advocates, we are beginning to break the silence surrounding viral hepatitis.

In commemoration of World Hepatitis Day, held annually on July 28, the Office of National Drug Control Policy and Office of National AIDS Policy are honoring national and international efforts to address the “silent epidemic” and achieve the goals of the Action Plan for the Prevention, Care, and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis.

In recognition of Leadership in Prevention and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis,

and

Advancing the Goals of the

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

 

Adrian M. Di Bisceglie, MD

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

 

 

 

 

Barbara Murray, MD

Infectious Disease Society of America

 

 

 

 

Samuel So, MD

Asian Liver Center, Stanford University School of Medicine

 

 

 

 

Daniel Raymond

Harm Reduction Coalition

 

 

 

Joan Block, RN, BSN

Hepatitis B Foundation

 

 

 

Michael Ninburg, MPA

Hepatitis Education Project

 

 

 

Julie Scofield

National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors

 

 

 

Jules Levin, MS

National AIDS Treatment Advocacy Project

 

 

 

 

Charles Howell, MD

National Medical Association

 

 

 

 

Holly Hagan PhD, MPH, RN

New York University College of Nursing

 

 

 

Sanjeev Arora, MD

Project ECHO, University of New Mexico

 

 

 

 

Daniel O’Connell, MA, MLS

New York State Department of Health, AIDS Institute  

 

 

 

 

Charles Gore

World Hepatitis Alliance

 

 

 

 

Please join us virtually on Wednesday, July 30, from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM EST, on www.whitehouse.gov/live as we recognize these leaders and provide a forum for domestic and international stakeholders to strengthen their responses to viral hepatitis and associated issues such as HIV and substance use disorders. The program will feature remarks from senior Federal officials, representatives from international and national organizations, and community leaders, including:

• Michael Botticelli, Acting Director, National Drug Control Policy
• Douglas Brooks, Director, White House Office of National AIDS Policy
• Representative Mike Honda (CA-17), Co-Chair, Congressional Hepatitis Caucus
• Ambassador Deborah Birx, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator
• Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health
• Dr. Paul Farmer, Partners in Health