Hepatitis B Foundation’s Post

Our CEO, Cary James is delivering the following statement on behalf of The World Hepatitis Alliance at the United Nations High-Level Meeting on #UHC: The World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), and our network of community-based organisations in 100 countries, welcome the UN High-Level Meeting and the inclusion of hepatitis in political declaration. Viral hepatitis is one of the deadliest health crises of our time, claiming more than 1.1 million lives every year. To save these lives, viral hepatitis must be included in UHC programmes. Evidence shows that viral hepatitis elimination strengthens health systems, reduces mortality, engages underserved populations and is cost-effective. The World Hepatitis Alliance champions the role of civil society in strengthening health systems and encourages UN Member States to engage with the hepatitis community in the development, implementation, monitoring and governance of their health programmes.   To achieve UHC within the financial constraints all health systems face, we must evolve beyond vertical disease responses into a holistic, person-centred approach that puts the needs of individuals above the silos health services have operated in for too long.   Hepatitis elimination can be efficiently and cost-effectively integrated into HIV, tuberculosis, noncommunicable disease (NCD), and primary care programmes as well as used as a tool to engage vulnerable communities. Viral hepatitis disproportionately affects the most underserved communities.  Countries that integrate hepatitis into UHC programmes can engage these communities and ensure no one is left behind. With a vaccination and effective treatment for hepatitis B and a cure for hepatitis C, we have the tools for elimination. In doing so, we will drastically reduce future healthcare costs and mortality from liver cancer, cirrhosis and other hepatitis-related illnesses. WHA members organisations stand ready to work together with member states and in partnership with civil society organisations across health to make UHC a reality for everyone. Hepatitis can’t wait #UNGA78 #UNHLM #HepCantWait

#grrf Special Day Update 28 July - World Hepatitis Day Find The Missing Millions. Worldwide, 290 million people are living with viral hepatitis, but are unaware of it. Without finding the undiagnosed and linking them to care, millions will continue to suffer, and lives will be lost. World Hepatitis Day is recognized annually on July 28th, the birthday of Dr. Baruch Blumberg (1925–2011). Dr. Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967, and 2 years later he developed the first hepatitis B vaccine. These achievements culminated in Dr. Blumberg winning the Nobel Prize. Organizations around the world, including WHO, commemorate World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness of the problem of viral hepatitis. It creates an opportunity to educate people about the burden of these infections. On this day, we call on people from across the world to take action and raise awareness to ‘find the ‘missing’ millions’. It is an opportunity to step up national and international efforts on hepatitis, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public and highlight the need for a greater global response to eliminate it by 2030 globally Viral hepatitis — a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E — affects millions of people worldwide, causing both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) liver disease. Viral hepatitis causes more than one million deaths each year. While deaths from tuberculosis and HIV have been declining, deaths from hepatitis are increasing. Take Care of your health! It is your responsibility!! #grrf #health #medical #hepatitis #worldhepatitisday

Everyone should be involved in hepatitis elimination across all WHO regions for several compelling reasons: 1. Global Health Impact:_Hepatitis is a global health challenge that affects people across all regions. Involving everyone ensures a concerted effort to address the impact on a worldwide scale, preventing the spread of the disease and improving overall global health. 2. Shared Responsibility:_Hepatitis does not discriminate based on geographic location or socio-economic status. It is a shared responsibility to create awareness, implement preventive measures, and provide access to treatment. Involvement from all regions reflects a commitment to collective responsibility. 3. Cross-Border Transmission:_Hepatitis viruses can easily cross borders, making regional collaboration crucial. Involvement from all WHO regions helps in developing comprehensive strategies, sharing best practices, and coordinating efforts to prevent cross-border transmission of the virus. 4. Resource Optimization:_By involving everyone, we can optimize resources, knowledge, and expertise from diverse regions. This collective approach allows for the efficient use of resources, avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring that initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of each region. 5. Addressing Disparities:_Hepatitis disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and regions with limited access to healthcare. Involvement from all WHO regions helps in addressing these disparities, promoting equity in healthcare delivery, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the efforts towards elimination. 6. Accelerating Progress:_Collaborative efforts across all regions accelerate progress towards hepatitis elimination goals set by the World Health Organization. This ensures that advancements in research, prevention, and treatment are shared and implemented globally, leading to faster and more effective outcomes. World Hepatitis Alliance Hepatitis B Foundation The World Hepatitis Alliance Hepatitis Australia Danjuma K. Adda Chari Cohen Viola Libiakova Cary James

World Hepatitis Day, 28th July 2023 “One Life, One Liver”. At the Sir Brian Bell Foundation, we believe health is everybody’s business and providing up-to-date health information is key to improving health outcomes across the country. Papua New Guinea like the rest of the world faces the same challenges of many diseases affecting millions of people each year. We often talk about Tuberculosis and HIV, but Hepatitis is often forgotten but has devastating effects on communities. World Hepatitis Day which is recognised every year on July 28th brings to light this devastating illness which is faced all over PNG. World Health Organization estimates 354 million people globally are still living with Hepatitis Infections and at least one person dies from viral hepatitis every 30 seconds. Most people discover they have hepatitis B or C after many years of silent infection, and only when they develop serious liver disease or cancer. More needs to be done to stop the spread of hepatitis across the world but together we can work towards a hepatitis-free PNG. Prevention is always better than cure, washing your hands regularly, staying home when sick, keeping up to date with regular medical check-ups and getting vaccinated when possible, will help stop the spread. Talk to your friends and family about how hepatitis is affecting your community. If you are at risk of contracting hepatitis talk to your doctor. World Health Organization:  One Life, One Liver. You’ve only got one life, and you’ve only got one liver and hepatitis can devastate both. Your liver silently performs over 500 vital functions every single day to keep you alive. But viral hepatitis infection is also silent, with symptoms only appearing once the disease is advanced. Although there are many different types of hepatitis viruses (A to E), hepatitis B and C are the most concerning and cause nearly 8000 new infections every day, which are mostly going undetected. The result? Over one million hepatitis-related deaths every single year – and one new chronic infection every ten seconds. And that’s why liver health is fundamental to human health. So many hepatitis deaths could be prevented. Because there are vaccines and effective treatments for hepatitis B and even a cure for hepatitis C, you CAN protect yourself and your loved ones. Speak to your local healthcare provider to find out how to protect yourself from hepatitis. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eSW__9JR

On this World Hepatitis Day, we come together as a global community to raise awareness and take action against viral hepatitis. This year, let us unite with a powerful message to the world: "No Hepatitis, No Stigma, No Barriers" 1- Prevention is Key: Let's prioritize prevention through education and vaccination. By understanding the risk factors and modes of transmission, we can empower ourselves and our communities to prevent the spread of hepatitis. 2- Early Detection Saves Lives: Regular screenings and testing are vital. Early detection allows for timely intervention and access to life-saving treatments, reducing the burden of hepatitis-related illnesses and deaths. 3- Universal Access to Treatment: Everyone affected by hepatitis deserves access to affordable and effective treatments. Let's advocate for equitable healthcare systems that ensure nobody is left behind in the fight against this silent killer. 4- Break the Stigma: Hepatitis affects millions worldwide, but its impact goes beyond the physical toll. Let's challenge the stigma associated with hepatitis and create an environment of compassion and support for those living with the disease. 5- Empowerment through Knowledge: Knowledge is power, and by educating ourselves and others about hepatitis, we can become advocates for change. Let's spread accurate information and dispel myths surrounding the disease. 6- Engage Decision Makers: We call upon governments, policymakers, and healthcare providers to prioritize hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment as part of their public health agenda. Together, we can create a world free from the burden of viral hepatitis. 7- Solidarity and Collaboration: The fight against hepatitis requires a united effort. Let's collaborate across borders, cultures, and sectors to strengthen prevention strategies, improve healthcare infrastructure, and support those affected. By coming together and acting as a united front, we can achieve a world free from hepatitis. Let's break the barriers that hinder progress and strive towards a future where no one suffers from this preventable and treatable disease. Together, we can make a difference. #WorldHepatitisDay #NoHepatitis #NoStigma #NoBarriers

Without mincing words, I can honestly say the most exciting mail I have received in this month is the Congratulatory mail from Sam Vaghar, the Executive Director of MCN. I am grateful for the privilege given to me by the MCN to be a Millennium Fellow of the class of 2023.🙏 A big shout-out to all the Millennium Fellows of Class of 2023 on this platform; congratulationsus all! I want you to know how delighted I am to be connected with you. I look forward to building a lasting relationship that transcends LinkedIn, and I heartily hope mother-fate would one day pave a way for us to meet face to face. 😁 You are formally welcome.🤝🏼 **************** After our Global Town Hall meeting last week, some Fellows reached out to me to acquaint them with my project, so, I would love to share with you all what my project is all about. In my quest to improve my social impact as a public health advocate, I will be working on: No Hepatitis Project (NHP). Hepatitis is a life-threatening disease primarily caused by viral infection and non-infectious agents that occur as a secondary result of medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol, leading to a range of health problems, which in most cases are fatal. According to a recent report by WHO, an estimated 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C. In Africa, including Nigeria, hepatitis is a silent epidemic. More than 90 million people are living with hepatitis in the Region, accounting for about 26% of the global total. Nigeria has a prevalence rate of 8.1 and 1.1% for HBV and HCV among adult aged 15-64 years respectively according to the Nigeria HIV-AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey, 2018 (NAIIS 2018). For instance, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was responsible for an estimated 820,000 deaths in 2019. The No Hepatitis Project (NHP) is a Hepatitis intervention project geared toward enhancing the sensitization of hepatitis in the 36 states of Nigeria before the year 2030. The project is focused on SDG3. During the course of this program, NHP aims to achieve the following goals: 🎯Organize a community outreach featuring an awareness campaign on the five main strains of hepatitis(A, B, C, D, E), the prevention as well as the danger of stigma and discrimination. 🎯FREE Hepatitis B and C tests will also be conducted, those who tested positive will be given a guide on what next to do and also a recommendation for affordable treatment will be given. 🎯 Grassroots engagement of pregnant women through education & testing for hepatitis. This will significantly help to reduce the likelihood of mother-to-child transmission - one of the key areas of improvement the WHO emphasises on. 🎯Organize outreaches to High schools (secondary schools) to educate students on the causes, preventive measures and cure of hepatitis. I am hopeful that this project will meet the immediate needs of the people in my community. Thank you, United Nations Academic Impact, for this opportunity to be useful to humanity🙏

📢 Announcing new US HCV Elimination resources from HepVu: HepVu, alongside NASTAD, has released the 2022 Viral Hepatitis Surveillance Status Advocacy Report. The report assesses the viral hepatitis surveillance practices across U.S. jurisdictions. Report specifics include building and expanding upon the inaugural report with year-over-year trends, details on capacity by dedicated staffing and funding, and availability of health equity data based on responses from 92% of jurisdictions. Notable highlights of the report found that jurisdictions with active viral hepatitis elimination plans increased from 43% (in 2021) to 70%. Read the report here: https://buff.ly/3SyjWfh In addition, HepVu launched an Elimination Hub, a source targeted at policy makers and advocate audiences with state profiles of HCV statistics and local resources available. Visit the Elimination Hub here: https://buff.ly/472xKD8

World Hepatitis Day – We are not Waiting! World Hepatitis Day is one of 11 official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), which takes place every year on the 28th of July bringing the world together under a single theme to raise awareness of the global burden of viral Hepatitis and to influence real change. “We’re not waiting” is call to action for WHD 2023 which accelerates elimination efforts of viral Hepatitis now and the urgent need for testing and treatment for the real people who need it. Viral Hepatitis is the eighth highest cause of mortality globally and was responsible for an estimated 1.34 million deaths annually, a toll comparable to that of HIV and tuberculosis. Globally, approximately 257 million persons are chronically infected with hepatitis B and 71 million with Hepatitis C. At this rate, an estimated 20 million deaths will occur between 2015 and 2030. Within the Region, Pakistan and Egypt bear 80% of the disease burden and within Pakistan almost 12 million people are suffering from Hepatitis B or C. Each year brings about 150 000 new cases. The majority of people catch this infection in health care settings without being aware of it. The disease is called a silent killer because many patients remain undiagnosed and untreated for many years before developing complications and dying. Being a responsible organization, we play our part by spreading awareness and facilitating our people through awareness campaigns and free screening facility. Since 2020, nearly 700 employees have been screened through these in-house camps. Those who tested positive have been referred for further treatment accordingly. We must act now to make Hepatitis elimination a reality through individual and collective action! https://buff.ly/38inclR #PackagesGroup #Pakistan #Sustainability

#Hepatitis B is a grave public health concern in Tanzania, yet it remains relatively neglected despite its significant impact on the population. With a prevalence rate exceeding 10%, hepatitis B kills more individuals than HIV and malaria combined. This statement aims to highlight the urgency of addressing the hepatitis B epidemic in Tanzania by advocating for increased testing, widespread vaccination, and improved access to care. The Importance of Testing: One of the major challenges in combating hepatitis B is the lack of awareness and testing. Many individuals infected with the virus remain undiagnosed, leading to increased transmission rates and poorer health outcomes. Enhancing Access to Care: Access to affordable and quality healthcare services is vital for PLWHBV. In Tanzania, efforts should be made to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and increase the availability of diagnostic tests, medications, and treatment options. Education and Awareness: To effectively address the hepatitis B epidemic, comprehensive education and awareness campaigns must be conducted. Public health initiatives should focus on increasing knowledge about the transmission, prevention, and management of hepatitis B. Collaborative Efforts: The fight against hepatitis B requires a multi-sectoral and collaborative approach. Governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organizations, and international partners must work together to develop and implement comprehensive strategies. Conclusion: The hepatitis B epidemic in Tanzania demands urgent attention and action. By prioritizing testing, vaccination, and access to care, we can save lives and reduce the burden of this preventable disease Danjuma K. Adda World Hepatitis Alliance Wendy YK Lo Finn-Jarle Rode John Whyte Adesuwa Oni Hepatitis B Foundation Zero Hep Achim Kautz International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA) ILCM Northeast Ohio Liver Alliance Catherine Freeland Chari Cohen Beatrice Zovich American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) Hepatitis Australia BWAMBALE ARAFAT Kenneth Kabagambe United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, affecting more than 350 million people. Fortunately, Hepatitis C (HCV) is preventable and curable. Despite the availability of treatment, progress towards eliminating hepatitis C has been limited.  The financing gap for eliminating Hepatitis C globally has been estimated at USD 41.5 billion between 2018 and 2030 (Scott and al, 2020). To address this funding gap, a coalition of partners including Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative - DNDi, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), TAG TREATMENT ACTION GROUP INC, and FIND, is exploring a unique financing approach in Cambodia. The proposed financing approach aims to leverage the economic benefits of HCV elimination to fund the program itself. An analysis in Cambodia highlights the immense economic gains (USD 145 million over 10 years) of HCV elimination, far exceeding program costs (USD 60 million). Explore the financing approach here: https://lnkd.in/dbuX2Jst 📖 Emma Hannay, Chief Access Officer, FIND  | Isabela Ribeiro, Viral Disease Cluster Director, DNDi  |  Joelle Dountio Ofimboudem, Acting HCV Project Director, TAG |  William Hennequin, Operations Director, MSF |  Clara Marköö, Manager, KOIS  |   Serena Guarnaschelli, Partner, KOIS #Healthcare #Hepatitis #HCV #GlobalHealth #Innovation #InnovativeFinance