“Invest in Eliminating Hepatitis” was the theme for World
Hepatitis Day that took place on Sunday, July 28th. Governments,
health institutions, nonprofits and community organizations across the world
came together to raise awareness to this important public issue. Those impacted
by the disease shared their personal stories and health officials discussed
strategies to combat the virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other essential stakeholders
are hoping to urge national and regional policymakers to increase their
political and financial commitments to the study of Hepatitis, improving access
to Hepatitis-related services among populations, highlight WHO’s updated cost
estimates for Hepatitis elimination as part of achieving health-related sustainable
development goals, and encourage individuals to seek out and utilize services
related to Hepatitis prevention, testing and treatment.
There are five types of viral Hepatitis ranging from
Hepatitis A-E which affect different communities across the globe, and people
are taking action to eliminate the virus. The World Health Organization Western
Pacific Region (including 26 countries) was previously known for having the
world’s highest prevalence of chronic Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B causes an
upwards of 900,000 deaths around the world due to liver cirrhosis, cancer and
other complications. The countries set an ambitious goal
to reduce the prevalence of Hepatitis B for children to below 1 percent. In 2017,
they successfully met this goal.
The United States is hoping for similar success in reducing
the number of people infected with viral Hepatitis. The U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services developed the National
Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2017-2020 in hopes of combating viral Hepatitis
in the United States. The Action Plan emphasizes a collaborative effort from
essential stakeholders within the public and private sectors. The U.S.
Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development,
Justice, and Veteran Affairs in addition to nonfederal stakeholders all took
part in the effort.
Viral Hepatitis impacts many people around the world and with the launch of Urban Health Baltimore, I’m hoping to greatly impact the community of Baltimore. Together, let’s invest in eliminating Hepatitis.