Hep B United joins the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) in announcing the first-ever multilingual campaign
for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), to increase testing
for hepatitis B among this population across the United States.
Hep B United joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) in announcing the first-ever multilingual campaign for Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), to increase testing for
hepatitis B among this population across the United States.
The Know Hepatitis B campaign was developed by CDC to encourage
hepatitis B testing among Asian American and Pacific Islanders. Campaign
materials include online and print ads, PSAs, social media, and
professional education materials, and will be available in English,
Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. As a partner in CDC's campaign, Hep B
United (a national coalition) and its 16 local affiliates, will
incorporate the campaign messages and materials into their efforts, and
promote them among health care providers, local partners, and patients.
“We are eager to partner with CDC on this important initiative,”
said Joan Block, co-chair of Hep B United. “Too often, the linguistic
needs of AAPIs are overlooked which means a large segment of the AAPI
population is unable to access available programs and services. This
partnership and resources are the right step towards improving the
health of these high-risk communities.”
AAPIs account for more than half of the 1.2 million Americans
estimated to be living with chronic hepatitis B and, consequently, have
the highest rate of liver cancer among all racial and ethnic groups.
Although hepatitis B is preventable with a safe and effective vaccine,
and treatable with approved medications, most individuals with hepatitis
B have never been screened for the disease and are unaware of their
infection.
“The announcement of a multi-lingual campaign to increase education
and testing for hepatitis B is yet another landmark step in the fight
against this silent killer. As founding co-chair of the Congressional
Hepatitis Caucus, I applaud Hep B United, the Department of Health and
Human Services, and CDC for their tireless efforts,” said Rep. Mike
Honda. “The AAPI population is disproportionately impacted by hepatitis
B, and it is past time that cultural and language appropriate care
become available to turn the tide against this terrible disease."
Also at the event, Hep B United issued its first Hep B United
Champion awards, which recognizes extraordinary leadership and
commitment in addressing hepatitis B in AAPI communities.
“Today we have honored individuals and organizations in the
community, and our federal partners, who through their diligent efforts
have sought to truly alter the impact the disease has had on AAPIs,”
said Jeffrey Caballero, co-chair of Hep B United, adding, “We commend
them for their leadership and unwavering dedication to this work.”
About Hep B United
Hep B United is a national coalition to address the public health
challenge of hepatitis B. The goal of Hep B United is to support local
community coalition efforts across the U.S. to increase hepatitis B
awareness, screening, vaccination and linkage to care for all Americans,
but in particular, for high-risk Asian American and Pacific Islander
populations who are disproportionately impacted. For more information on
Hep B United, please visit http://hepbunited.org. To learn more about their regional coalitions, please visit http://hepbunited.org/local-campaigns.
Source: PRWebLabels: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), awareness, education, testing