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  • Minority Health Awareness Month: Why does hepatitis B disproportionately affect some groups more than others? 

                          Hepatitis B is a global public health crisis. While it is heavily underreported across the world, experts estimate that there are approximately 300 million people living with chronic hepatitis B. Anyone can get hepatitis B. The hepatitis B virus does not discriminate. This is why it is crucial for everyone to get tested for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime and get the hepatitis B vaccine.  However, some people are at a greater risk for developing chronic hepatitis B than others. This is not necessarily because some people are genetically predisposed to the virus but because of poor awareness and lack of resources to prevent or treat hepatitis B.  It is important to understand that health is influenced by many different factors including genetics, our environment, availability of resources and access to care. To fully understand the reasons behind racial and ethnic disparities in hepatitis B prevalence across the globe, we must understand the social determinants of health associated with hepatitis B testing and care.   Differences in HBV Genotypes  Genotypes describe the characteristics of the virus. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) contains many different genotypes, which explains why the virus impacts people in different ways (i.e., how the virus spreads to others, likelihood of developing serious liver disease, etc.). Some genotypes such as genotype A can increase the chances of chronic (long-term) infection.  Certain HBV genotypes are more common in some regions of the world than others, which may explain why some people are more likely to experience worse health outcomes than others (Sunbul, 2014).   Genotype A is commonly found in the African region. Genotypes B and C are found in the Asia Pacific regions. Genotype D is less likely to lead to a chronic infection but can still result in serious liver failure without proper intervention. Genotype D is found mostly in South

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/minority-health-awareness-month-hepatitis-b-disproportionately-affect-groups-others/
  • The History of National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV & Hepatitis Awareness Day 2019

      Each year in September, the Hepatitis B Foundation recognizes National African Immigrant and Refugee HIV and Hepatitis Awareness Day (NAIRHHA). Founded by advocates in Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and New York, NAIRHHA Day has been observed annually on September 9th by healthcare professionals, awareness campaigns, and other organizations since 2014. Although not yet nationally recognized, the multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC) and the Coalition Against Hepatitis B for People of African Origin (CHIPO) are working to establish NAIRHHA day as its own federally designated awareness day. As explained by Chioma Nnaji, Director at the Multicultural AIDS Coalition’s Africans For Improved Access (AFIA) program, there is a great need to establish NAIRHHA day as its own day.  “Several of the current awareness days are inclusive of African immigrant communities, but do not comprehensively address their unique social factors, cultural diversity as well as divergent histories and experiences in the US.” Why NAIRHHA Day?  People born outside of the U.S. often face different health challenges than those born in the country and face various barriers to accessing important healthcare services. African immigrants (AI) are disproportionately burdened by HIV and viral hepatitis. Advocates for NAIRHHA Day recognized the need to address these health issues in the community and thought that a combined awareness day would be the most effective way to reach the largest number of people impacted.  Hepatitis B presents a significant public health burden for many African countries, and subsequent immigrant populations living in the United States. Although data is limited on hepatitis B infection among African immigrant (AI) and refugee communities in the U.S., studies have shown infection rates are high - between 5 and 18%1,2,3,4,5. One community study in Minnesota even found AIs accounting for 30% of chronic hepatitis B infections 6. AI communities are also known to be

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/history-national-african-immigrant-refugee-hiv-hepatitis-awareness-day-2019/
  • What's the difference: Hepatitis B vs. Hepatitis E

    With five different types of viral hepatitis, it can be difficult to understand the differences between them. Some forms of hepatitis get more attention than others, but it is still important to know how they are transmitted, what they do, and the steps that you can take to protect yourself and your liver! This is the final installment in a three-part series. You can click the links to view more about hepatitis A and hepatitis C. What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”. A liver can become inflamed for many reasons, such as too much alcohol, physical injury, autoimmune response, or a reaction to bacteria or a virus. The five most common hepatitis viruses are A, B, C, D, and E. Some hepatitis viruses can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer. Damage to the liver reduces its ability to function and makes it harder for your body to filter out toxins. Hepatitis B vs. Hepatitis E Globally, hepatitis E is a common liver infection. The World Health Organization estimates that 20 million people are infected each year. The virus has 4 known types: genotype 1, genotype 2, genotype 3, and genotype 4. Genotypes 1 and 2 are primarily spread through  fecal-oral transmission or by consuming food or water that has been contaminated and are only found in the human population. Typically, these genotypes are found in Africa, Asia, and Mexico. Poor sanitation and lack of clean water infrastructure contribute to the spread of genotypes 1 and 2. Image Courtesy of Canva Genotypes 3 and 4 are found in animal populations and can be passed on to a human if their meat is undercooked and consumed. Pigs, deer, boar, and chickens have all been found to carry the hepatitis E virus, but studies have shown that consuming undercooked infected pig (pork) and wild boar have commonly been the main source of animal-to-human transmission. Although less common, shellfish has also been found to carry the hepatitis E virus as well. Genotypes 3 and 4

    https://www.hepb.org/blog/whats-difference-hepatitis-b-vs-hepatitis-e/
  • What's the Difference: Hepatitis A vs Hepatitis B

    With five different types of viral hepatitis, it can be difficult to understand the differences between them. Some forms of hepatitis get more attention than others, but it is still important to know how they are transmitted, what they do, and the steps that you can take to protect yourself and your liver! This is part two in a three-part series. What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis means “inflammation of the liver”. A liver can become inflamed for many reasons, such as too much alcohol, physical injury, autoimmune response, or a reaction to bacteria or a virus. The five most common hepatitis viruses are A, B, C, D, and E. Some hepatitis viruses can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer. Damage to the liver reduces its ability to function and makes it harder for your body to filter out toxins. Hepatitis A vs. Hepatitis B While hepatitis A and B both impact the liver, the two viruses differ greatly from one another. Hepatitis B is a blood-borne pathogen; its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. In contrast, hepatitis A can be spread by fecal-oral transmission or by consuming food or water that has been contaminated. It is important to note that a person cannot contract hepatitis B through casual interactions such as holding hands, sharing a meal with, or eating foods prepared by someone who is infected. There is no need to keep plates and utensils separate. However, hepatitis A can be spread through food that is prepared by an infected person. Hepatitis A is primarily caused by poor sanitation and personal hygiene. Poor sanitation and hygiene can be the result of a lack of essential infrastructure like waste management or clean water systems. It can also result from a lack of education. Hepatitis A is an acute infection; the virus typically stays in the body for a short amount of time and most people make a full recovery after several weeks. Recently, the United States has seen a

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/whats-difference-hepatitis-vs-hepatitis-b/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation, StoryCenter release new #justB stories from people with lived experience

    Doylestown, Pa., May 24, 2022– For Hepatitis Awareness Month, the Hepatitis B Foundation has released five new videos as part of its national #justB storytelling campaign, which conveys the powerful stories of real people affected by hepatitis B.   Since 2017, the Hepatitis B Foundation has partnered with StoryCenter to host six #justB digital storytelling workshops for over 40 participants from more than 20 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The #justB campaign empowers people with lived experience to share their stories with the goals of increasing awareness and advocacy around hepatitis B, decreasing stigma and discrimination, and promoting testing, vaccination and linkage to care and treatment.  The latest #justB workshop was held in Berkeley, Calif., from March 18-20. It brought together five highly motivated adults living with hepatitis B who wanted to learn how to share their stories to educate communities and inspire action. Using StoryCenter’s collaborative, supportive and participatory approach, participants were guided through the process of writing their story script, recording a voiceover, compiling images and videos to help illustrate their story, and learning basic video editing skills to bring everything together into a two- to three-minute digital story.   Each #justB story reflects a unique personal experience and an important message about hepatitis B. Watch them all at https://www.hepb.org/justb.  Adama, who was born in West Africa and immigrated to the U.S. decades ago, recalls when he tested positive for hepatitis B and how he soon realized that the illness his mother suffered from must have also been hepatitis B. “As I began to learn about the virus, I realized, ‘Oh, I think that’s what killed my mom.” Having lost his mother to the disease, Adama knows the importance of testing, early detection and monitoring for those who are living with hepatitis B. “I take treatment, I learned how to take care of myself... But what about the people around me, in my community, who won’t even get tested? Everyone talks about HIV, about how to protect ourselves, but this hepatitis virus is too much ignored.”  Chelle, a Utah resident, speaks candidly in her story about the stigma she encountered after being diagnosed with hepatitis B in the 1980s. “I felt so isolated. I couldn’t even talk to my family… Sometimes I thought about all the stomach problems I had complained of as a kid. I had been adopted from the Philippines in the 1970s. I was tested for this and that, but not for hepatitis B. Testing for the virus wasn’t widespread at that time. I was called a hypochondriac when the doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong.” Chelle is grateful that things have improved since then and that she was able to pursue a career in the medical field. But her experience still motivates her to continue speaking out and fighting against hepatitis B related stigma that persists around the world.   To watch the new #justB stories by Adama, Chelle, Wendy, DHE and FK, and to access the complete #justB video library with more information, please visit: www.hepb.org/justb.   The #justB storytelling project was launched in 2016 in collaboration with the Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) and StoryCenter. It was made possible by individual donors and educational grants from Arbutus Biopharma, Dynavax Technologies, Gilead Sciences and Janssen pharmaceuticals.  About Hepatitis B:  The most common serious liver infection in the world, it is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which attacks and injures the liver. Each year up to 1 million people die from hepatitis B worldwide, even though it is preventable and treatable. The number of adults living in the U.S. who have chronic hepatitis B infection may be as high as 2.4 million, which is nearly three times greater than the federal government’s official estimate, according to a new report by a team of public health experts, scientists and physicians. Hepatitis B is a “silent epidemic” because most people do not have symptoms when they are newly or chronically infected. Thus, they can unknowingly infect others and continue the spread of hepatitis B. For people who are chronically infected but don’t have any symptoms, their livers are still being silently damaged, which can develop into serious liver disease such as cirrhosis or liver cancer.  About the Hepatitis B Foundation: We are the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. Founded in 1991, the Hepatitis B Foundation is based in Doylestown, Pa., with an office in Washington, D.C. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@hepbfoundation) or call us at 215-489-4900. To donate, contact Jean Holmes at 215-489-4900 or jean.holmes@hepb.org.  

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/hepatitis-b-foundation-storycenter-release-new-justb-stories-from-people-with-lived-experience/
  • DiRx teams up with Hepatitis B Foundation to offer low-cost medications

    [This news release is from DiRx.] East Brunswick, New Jersey, April 14, 2022 - Hepatitis B Foundation, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B, has teamed up with DiRx, a fast-growing digital pharmacy platform focused on generic medicine access and affordability. Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world, and a 2021 study estimated that as many as 2.4 million people in the U.S. live with hepatitis B. DiRx has added two front-line medications for chronic hepatitis B infection – generic Viread® (Tenofovir) and generic Baraclude® (Entecavir) – and will be offering the medications at greatly discounted prices. Specifically, 30-count supplies of Entecavir will be $33, and Tenofovir $21, compared to average retail price of $1,188. To access Tenofovir or Entecavir at discounted prices, patients should visit DiRxHealth.com and use promo code HBFSAVE. Any hepatitis B patient with a valid U.S. prescription will be able to order and benefit from free U.S. shipping, with no pre-qualifications and health insurance required. Known for their exceptional attention to improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide through education and patient advocacy, as well as their focus on finding a cure through research, the Hepatitis B Foundation is a global leader in the field. The organization is recognized for making great strides for this mostly overlooked and underfunded disease. “Pursuing our goals of enabling better access and affordability of generic prescription medicine for all Americans, we are delighted to partner with the Hepatitis B Foundation to help individuals living with hepatitis B benefit from significantly discounted prices for their much-needed therapies.” said Satish Srinivasan, Founder & CEO at DiRx Health. “The Hepatitis B Foundation acts as the primary source of information for patients and their families and has been a leader in funding focused research, promoting disease awareness, and supporting immunizations.” "Access to proper health care for people living with hepatitis B is one of our highest priorities, and that includes helping to ensure they can afford their medications,” Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH, senior vice president of the Hepatitis B Foundation, said. “DiRx will provide people living with hepatitis B in the U.S. with a new option for obtaining the medications they require, so we very much appreciate the company’s offer to partner with our organization.” In addition to these critical medications for hepatitis B, DiRx carries more than 1,200 FDA-approved generic medicines with prices as low as $3 per month, including shipping. Ordering medicine from DiRx does not require any pre-approvals or insurance. To help more consumers access essential medications, for a limited time, a thirty-day supply (up to $100 per order) is also available for free. About DiRx Health: DiRx is an online pharmacy that delivers savings on commonly prescribed, FDA-approved generic medicines without the need for insurance. Founded by industry experts, DiRx draws a straight line from supply to demand to streamline the path between the manufacturer and the consumer. This lowers costs and makes more medicine accessible to more people. DiRx offers a viable model for businesses and community organizations while simplifying how consumers fill, pay for, and receive maintenance medicine. To learn more, visit DiRxHealth.com, or call 877-FOR-DIRX (877-367-3479). You can also find DiRx on socials: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: Hepatitis B Foundation is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education, and patient advocacy. Founded in 1991, the Hepatitis B Foundation is based in Doylestown, PA., with an office in Washington, D.C. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org and www.hepb30years.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@hepbfoundation) or call us at 215-489-4900. To donate, contact Jean Holmes at 215-489-4900 or jean.holmes@hepb.org.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/dirx-partners-with-hepatitis-b-foundation-to-offer-low-cost-medications/
  • I am diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, can I get married and have children?

    Yes, you can safely marry and have children if you are living with hepatitis B. Please watch these short #justB videos to see how other people with hepatitis B manage relationships, children and families: Wendy’s story, Heng’s story, William’s story. Although there is sometimes stigma associated with having hepatitis B and fear of transmission, it should not be that way. There is a safe and effective vaccine to prevent transmitting hepatitis B infection to loved ones. Be sure your future partner is vaccinated with the 3-dose hepatitis B vaccine series given at 0, 1 and 6 months. Practice safe sex using a condom until your partner completes the vaccine series. Please visit our website section on pregnancy and hepatitis B for more information! Since marriage is a shared journey, so is the journey with hepatitis B. Assure your partner that you will take good care of your health, and that you will make sure to keep your regular visits to the doctor and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also make sure to involve your partner in every step of the journey, and seek their support when it comes to treatment options, or keeping a healthy lifestyle.  Find more Frequently Asked Questions here.  Page updated 02/09/2022

    https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/faqs/i-am-diagnosed-with-chronic-hepatitis-b-can-i-get-married-and-have-children/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation's Discrimination Registry

    If you are faced with discrimination due to hepatitis B, please share your experience anonymously and confidentially through our Discrimination Survey. Your experience will become part of our sophisticated Discrimination Registry database and be used to help identify and combat discrimination in the future. Fill out the survey here or contact the Hepatitis B Foundation at discrimination@hepb.org or 215-489-4900, if you need additional assistance.  DISCRIMINATION SURVEY The purpose of this registry is to document and track discrimination related to hepatitis B. Discrimination is defined as the unjust, unfair or prejudicial treatment of a person on the grounds of their hepatitis B status. In other words, it’s being treated differently because of one’s hepatitis B infection. For someone with hepatitis B, this can mean being denied employment, education, training, goods or services, health care, right to immigrate to another country, or having significant burdens imposed due to someone’s hepatitis B infection. It’s important to know your rights. We have extensive information about combating discrimination in the U.S. in our know your rights section. Unfortunately, discrimination is a huge problem around the world, not just in the U.S. We are committed to helping people with hepatitis B worldwide, and this registry will help us learn more about where and how discrimination exists, so that we can offer more support globally. The future of the discrimination registry The discrimination registry is just step one of a long journey. We know from our many experiences in advocacy, including playing a key role in getting hepatitis B covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which provides protection in the United States against discrimination that these issues do take a lot of hard work and time to change. Collecting your stories of discrimination helps us to develop an extensive database to keep track of where and how discrimination is occurring around the world. We will analyze the data provided from this registry as well as content from in-depth discussions with people who have experienced or have a close contact who experience discrimination. Additionally, we will provide consultations and guidance for people who might have questions about discrimination in their country. This data will be used to create reports and journal articles documenting discrimination. Additionally, these reports will guide advocacy efforts that call attention to the discrimination faced by so many with hepatitis B. This information will be pivotal in developing a multi-year action plan to start addressing discrimination globally. How can you help? The first way to help is to please fill out the registry with your personal experience. We need to hear from you. The survey is anonymous, but if you want your story to be used publicly to help spread awareness, please reach out to discrimination@hepb.org and say that you want to help. The second way to help is to donate. Advocacy efforts are expensive, and we need funding keep this important work going. For example, it costs $1,500 just to keep the database up-and-running for a year. Your donations will help us continue this work and move on to the next phase of combating discrimination.  Please donate here. 

    https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/hepatitis-b-foundations-discrimination-registry/
  • Action Alert! Urge Members of Congress to Include Viral Hepatitis Funding in Programmatic Requests

    If you read Hepbtalk's blog last week summarizing the Viral Hepatitis Policy Summit, you know that it will take efforts from all advocacy organizations and people like YOU telling your story and asking that money be dedicated to viral hepatitis. Please get involved. We need YOUR help!   On February 13, 2012, President Obama kicked off the Fiscal Year 2013 appropriations process with the release of his budget proposal.  The President's FY2013 budget flat funds the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the total funding level of FY2012 – including the $10 million from the Prevention and Public Health Fund.  We need your help in raising awareness among Members of Congress about viral hepatitis and asking their support for increased funding for viral hepatitis activities at the federal level.  Viral hepatitis advocates are urging for protection of the President’s request and an increase to $59.8 million for DVH, which is $30.1 million more than the current funding level of $29.7 million. In the next 2-3 weeks, all Senators and Representatives will write their “programmatic appropriations request letters,” which ask members of the Appropriations Subcommittees (who put together the federal funding legislation) to include funding for their priorities. The more Members of Congress that include a request for hepatitis funding in their letters, the greater the likelihood the Appropriators will include additional funding in FY2013. Viral hepatitis impacts over 5.3 million people nationwide. With a lack of a comprehensive surveillance system, these estimates are likely only the tip of the iceberg and 75% of those infected do not know their status. Even with these daunting figures, there are only $29.7 million in federal funding dedicated to fund viral hepatitis activities nationwide at the CDC.  Members of Congress need to know that viral hepatitis is a concern in their district, that their constituents are being

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/action-alert-urge-members-of-congress-to-include-viral-hepatitis-funding-in-programmatic-requests/
  • Commonly Asked Questions

    Your adoption agency should be able to tell you if a child has been tested for hepatitis B.  With an international adoption, it is advised that you do not request that your child be tested in the originating country since the blood test itself could be a source of infection.   Finding out that the child you wish to adopt has chronic hepatitis B can be upsetting, but should not be cause for alarm or stopping an adoption. We hope that a hepatitis B diagnosis will not change your decision to adopt a child. You can be reassured that most children will enjoy a long and healthy life. Hepatitis B does not usually affect a child's normal growth and development, and there are generally no physical disabilities or restrictions associated with this diagnosis. All parents, siblings, and other household members should be vaccinated. Extended family members, childcare providers, family, friends, and others should consider vaccination if they have frequent and close contact with your child. There are currently 5 approved drugs in the United States for children living with hepatitis B. Entecavir (Baraclude) is a pill that is taken once a day for at least one year or longer. It is considered a first-line treatment.  Approved in 2014 for children 2 years and older. Tenofovir disoproxil (Viread) is a pill that is taken once a day for at least one year or longer. It is considered a first-line treatment. Approved in 2012 for children 12 years and older. Peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys) is an injection given once weekly for 6 months to 1 year and may include flu-like symptoms. It is considered a first-line treatment. Children must closely monitored by a liver specialist with regular visits and blood tests. Interferon alpha (Intron A) is an injection usually given three times a week for 6 months to 1 year. Children generally experience fewer side effects than adults, but they can include flu-like symptoms. They must be closely monitored by a liver specialist with regular visits and blood tests. This is an older drug that is not usually prescribed. Lamivudine (Epivir-HBV, Zeffix, Heptodin) is a pill that is taken once a day for at least one year or more. This is an older antiviral that results in drug resistance, thus, considered a second-line treatment. However, not every child (or adult) with hepatitis B needs to be treated.  You should see a pediatric liver specialist to determine if your child would benefit from one of these approved treatments. Whether you decide to start treatment or not, your child should see a liver specialist or doctor skilled in hepatitis B on a regular basis.

    https://www.hepb.org/treatment-and-management/children-with-hepatitis-b/commonly-asked-questions/