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  • World Hepatitis Day: Preventing Hepatitis B in New York City

    By Vivian Huang, MD MPH, Hepatitis B Program Director at the Charles B Wang Community Health Center, NYC World Hepatitis Day is commemorated on July 28 every year.  The date was selected to honor the birthday of the Nobel Laureate Professor Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus. The aim on this day is to increase awareness and understanding of viral hepatitis as a major global health threat. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 400 million people have chronic viral hepatitis worldwide and more than 1.4 million people die annually from causes related to viral hepatitis, namely cirrhosis and liver cancer. This year, World Hepatitis Day focuses on preventing viral hepatitis. Each day, 4,000 lives are lost to hepatitis. Yet, most of these deaths can be prevented. For hepatitis A and B, there are available vaccines to prevent infection.  Three dose of hepatitis B vaccine will offer more than 90 percent protection. In New York City, approximately 100,000 people are chronically infected with hepatitis B. According to 2013 New York City Department of Health Hepatitis B and C Surveillance Report, “the highest rates of newly-reported cases are in the three neighborhoods with large Chinese populations, and 60% of newly-reported patients are of Asian descent.” At our Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, our patients have a 25-times higher rate of chronic hepatitis B compared to the general U.S. population [1 in 8 persons (12.5%) is infected here, compared to 0.5% nationwide]. Because of this high disparity of chronic hepatitis B in our patient population, we strongly encourage all close household contacts and family members of infected individuals to get tested for hepatitis B. In 2014, about 1 in 5 (20.8%) of those we tested for hepatitis B were susceptible (1,411 susceptible/6,791 screened) and required immunization protect them from infection. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provides the health center with

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/world-hepatitis-day-the-impact-of-hepatitis-b-in-new-york-city/
  • Philadelphia City Council recognizes May as Hepatitis Awareness Month

    In partnership with key stakeholders, the city is working to create a citywide Hepatitis Elimination Plan.  Philadelphia, May 5, 2021 – The Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B United Philadelphia applaud the City of Philadelphia’s Resolution that recognizes May as Hepatitis Awareness Month. Council Members David Oh and Cindy Bass introduced the resolution today (May 5) to recognize and support the joint efforts of Hep B United Philadelphia and the Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia coalitions, who aim to raise awareness of the link between viral hepatitis and liver cancer. In the U.S., approximately 7 million individuals are living with hepatitis B and C including about 75,000 Philadelphians. Hepatitis B is the world’s most serious liver infection causing over 80% of primary liver cancer cases and disproportionally impacting Asian, Pacific Islander and African communities. Liver cancer in the United States is the only cancer that continues to increase in new cases and deaths each year, which is primarily due to infections with hepatitis B and C.  Currently the City of Philadelphia, in partnership with key stakeholders, is working to create a citywide Hepatitis Elimination Plan to strategically guide reducing the negative impact of viral hepatitis B, hepatitis C and hepatitis Delta infections through a collaborative effort. The Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B United Philadelphia look forward to working with the city council to move forward with elimination efforts and reduce health disparities associated with hepatitis in Philadelphia. “We thank the Philadelphia city council for supporting this resolution,” said Catherine Freeland, MPH, public health program director at the Hepatitis B Foundation. “This resolution helps remind and educate Philadelphians of the link between viral hepatitis and liver cancer. Hopefully this will encourage our community to go out and get tested and talk to their doctor about prevention efforts.” Evangeline Wang, the Foundation’s public health coordinator, said: “We look forward to spreading awareness through community partnerships in Philadelphia and providing free screenings and education in Greater Philadelphia.” To learn more about hepatitis B upcoming events, or to request screening at your event, visit the Hep B United Philadelphia website.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/philadelphia-city-council-recognizes-may-as-hepatitis-awareness-month/
  • 'Think Again' About Hepatitis - World Hepatitis Day Events in Ghana

    Theobald Owusu-Ansah of the Theobald Hepatitis B Foundation works tirelessly to raise the profile of hepatitis B in Ghana, where the HBV prevalence is approximately 30% in blood donors. Through collaboration with others, and heightening awareness with Ghanaian celebrities, Theobald and others were able to raise viral hepatitis awareness, and provide free screening and HBV vaccination during their World Hepatitis Day event this year. Read his account below and check out Theobald and the work he and his foundation are doing at the www.theobaldhepb.org or find THBF on Facebook.  Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer, which is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Africa. On World Hepatitis Day, we urged the government to take actions ASAP to improve hepatitis awareness, monitoring, prevention and treatment.
 ASAP is a blue print framework for Global action, developed by the WHO to guide national government on the effective ways to prevent and control the transmission of viral hepatitis. This framework has four axes: 1.  Awareness raising, partnership promotion and resource mobilization, 2.  Scientific evidence that drives policies and actions, 3.  Access to immunization and information to prevent transmission, 4.  Provision of screening, care and treatment. Thousands of Ghanaians live with viral hepatitis. About a third of Ghanaians living with viral hepatitis are unaware of their status and are not receiving care and treatment for the condition. It is estimated that hepatitis B kills over 1 million people each year, and an estimated 1 in 12 persons are currently infected and have to face life with chronic liver disease. Ghana belongs to one of the areas where the prevalence of chronic HBV infection is high (≥8%), and that of hepatitis C is from 5-10%. There is high prevalence in approximately 30% among blood donors.
 In the year ending 2010, the incidence of viral hepatitis in Ghana was 43/100,000 population, with 102

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/think-again-about-hepatitis-world-hepatitis-day-events-in-ghana/
  • B Heppy Podcast

    B Heppy is a podcast aimed to inform and help individuals living with hepatitis B through discussing various topics related to hepatitis B. You'll hear from other people who are living with hepatitis B, doctors, scientists, and public health professionals as we tackle new topics every other week.  We hope this podcast reminds you that you are not alone in your diagnosis! Together, we can foster a collaborative and connected global community united around all things hepatitis B. B Heppy is available on Spotify Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, and Overcast, you can also access it here. Please be sure to subscribe and leave a positive review! You can financially support the podcast here.  Listen to the Episodes: Episode 30: Highlights from the 2022 HBV Meeting Episode 29: Insight on hepatitis B curative drug development with Dr. Mike Sofia Episode 28: Progress on Liver Cancer Research - HBV Meeting Convos Episode 27: You Are Not Alone - Mental Health and Hepatitis B Episode 26: Myths and Misconceptions - Have I been cursed if I have hepatitis B? Can I share utensils with someone who has hepatitis B? Episode 25: International Highlight: Hepatitis B Foundation of Ghana Episode 24: D is for Deadly - What you need to know about hepatitis Delta Episode 23: Hepatitis B in Vietnam  Episode 22: What Are Community Organizations Doing for Hepatitis B? Episode 21: What Should I Eat For My Liver with Dr. Jennifer Lai Episode 20: My Liver Transplant Story with Peter Vo Episode 19: Phillip's Take on Hepatitis B in Ghana - Part II Episode 18: Phillip's Take on Hepatitis B in Ghana - Part I Episode 17: Phillip's Take on Hepatitis B in Ghana - Twi Version  Episode 16: #justB Storytellers' Take on Hepatitis B Part II Episode 15: #justB Storytellers' Take on Hepatitis B Part I Episode 14: A Conversation with HBV Meeting Co-Organizers Dr. Ghering and Dr. Andrisani Episode 13: Caregiving and Hepatitis B Episode 12: A Conversation with Dr. Stephan Urban, Who Developed the First Drug for Hepatitis D Episode 11: Liver Cancer and Hepatitis B Episode 10: Hepatitis B Discrimination  Episode 9: Adoption and Hepatitis B Episode 8: Progress on the Hepatitis B Cure  Episode 7: Hep B Community: The Importance of Support Groups Part II Episode 6: Hep B Community: The Importance of Support Groups Part I Episode 5: Patient Resilience  Episode 4: The Patient Perspective with Bright Episode 3: All of Us - A Research Program Episode 2: The History of the Hepatitis B Foundation and Hep B 101 Episode 1: COVID-19 Vaccine and Hepatitis B   

    https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/b-heppy-podcast/
  • World Hepatitis Day in Ghana

    Ghanians lined up for a viral hepatitis screening at last year's World Hepatitis Day event in Tamale, Ghana (Northern Region) HBF is pleased to share World Hepatitis Day plans of our friend Theobald Owusu-Ansah of the Theobald Hepatitis B Foundation in Ghana. The Foundation is also a voting member of the World Hepatitis Alliance.  On July 28th, 2013, The Theobald Hepatitis B Foundation and the Hepatitis Coalition of Ghana will join the World with one voice to celebrate World Hepatitis Day in Sunyani at Victoria Park. In attendance will be the Chiefs, members of Parliament, District Chief Executives, Municipal Chief Executives, Assembly Members and all the Opinion Leaders of the Region. The Theobald Hepatitis B Foundation is a non-profit organization whose main aim is to educate and create awareness of hepatitis B and C to the general public, ranging from the causes, and symptoms of viral hepatitis, to preventive measures. On World Hepatitis Day, the activities will start with an early morning Float with music and dance throughout the principal streets of Sunyani, along with the members and volunteers of the Foundation and the Coalition distributing educational materials to the crowds. These leaflets, posters, banners and stickers are part of the ongoing media blast that will draw the public’s attention to problem of chronic hepatitis B among the people of Ghana. Free screening and hepatitis B vaccinations will be ongoing throughout the day’s activities. Resource persons will be delivering their messages and educating the general public about viral hepatitis. It is important that the people learn and understand whether or not they are positive or negative for viral hepatitis, and if they are positive, what is next. The Delegation of the Government and other health care professionals will educate the public on Viral Hepatitis Policies and the way forward. Dieticians will also take the general public through the kind of food and diet one needs to eat, and the

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/world-hepatitis-day-in-ghana/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation Announces 2020 Baruch S. Blumberg Prize Winner

    Dr. John Taylor of Fox Chase Cancer Center Recognized for His Contributions to the Science of  Hepatitis B and D DOYLESTOWN, PA (November 18, 2019) The Hepatitis B Foundation has named John Taylor, PhD, the recipient of its 2020 Baruch S. Blumberg Prize for excellence in hepatitis B research.  Dr. Taylor is a Professor Emeritus at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Taylor will receive the award at the Hepatitis B Foundation’s annual Crystal Ball Gala planned April 24, 2020 at The Warrington in Warrington, PA. The Baruch S. Blumberg Prize is the Hepatitis B Foundation’s highest honor, given to publicly recognize and appreciate the outstanding contributions made by an individual to significantly advance the science and medicine of hepatitis B.  It has been considered to be the “Nobel Prize” for hepatitis B research and is named for Baruch S. Blumberg, who received the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus. Dr. Blumberg, who passed away in 2013, was a co-founder of the Hepatitis B Foundation. Dr. Taylor is being recognized for his significant contributions to the understanding of the hepatitis delta virus. Hepatitis delta (also called hepatitis D) is the most severe form of viral hepatitis, and only affects people who also are infected with the hepatitis B virus. “Dr. Taylor’s work on hepatitis delta virus molecular virology at Fox Chase Cancer Center provided critical insights about the hepatitis D virus,” said Timothy Block, PhD, president of the Hepatitis B Foundation and its Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. “His work, with colleagues, has consistently been the definitive gold standard for our understanding of the virus, and has opened the door for appreciation of the surprising biology of virology, overall and development of new medicines to treat the infection.” Dr. Taylor’s work at Fox Chase Cancer Center focused on the hepatitis delta virus as well as hepatitis B. Professor Taylor's investigations led to discovery of the hepatitis delta virus’ basic chromosomal structure, through determination of the role of delta antigen in HDV replication, and the role of enzymatic functions and modifications of the delta mRNA in polypeptide expression. He earned his PhD from the University of Toronto, Canada. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: The 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. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at http://hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hepbfoundation or call 215-489-4900.  

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/hepatitis-b-foundation-announces-2020-baruch-s-blumberg-prize-winner/
  • World Hepatitis Day 2012 in Cairns, Queensland, Australia

    WHD 2012 Cairns: Hep Day Out friends - Yvonne, Rhondda, Murph & Allana A personal reflection on WHD events from Guest Blogger Yvonne Drazic WHD was again promoted and celebrated in style in Cairns with lots of dedicated people making it a great success. The key organizers were Rhondda, the Viral Hepatitis Health Practitioner from the Cairns Sexual Health Service, and Alanna and Julie from the Queensland Injectors’ Health Network (QuIHN). At present, the bulk of hepatitis B health promotion and patient support is done through these organizations as part of hepatitis C and HIV services because sufficient separate government funding for hepatitis B is not yet forthcoming. Last year, Rhondda organized a fabulous free lecture about hepatitis B which, while aimed at health care professionals and medical staff, was open to the public and especially to people affected by or living with hepatitis B. The speaker was Dr. Benjamin Cowie, an infectious diseases physician from Melbourne with a special interest in hepatitis B. His passionate and compelling presentation evoked great feedback from the audience, many stating it was a real eye-opener. This year’s lecture was presented by Dr. Joshua Davis who spoke equally engaging about his efforts to address hepatitis B in Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. The talk attracted an audience of more than 100 people. As an add-on to the lecture, Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander health workers could move on to an event/workshop called Yarnin up HepB where they were able to discuss anything hepB - and get expert advice - from Dr. Davis. This was very well received although many participants were quite disturbed about the statistics of hep B in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This year the open day at Cairns Sexual Health Service was called “Hep Day Out”. It was designed to be fun with funky, colourful posters (created by the talented Murph) and a music jam session. Like last year, the day

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/world-hepatitis-day-2012-in-cairns-queensland-australia/
  • World Hepatitis Day Reflection: Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad Pakistan

    Thank you to Prof., Dr. Muhammad Sadik Memon, MBBS, FCPS (Gastro), FCPS (Med), MACP, MAGA,  for his personal reflection from World Hepatitis Day, 2012 events in Pakistan. In order to raise awareness on World Hepatitis  Day, Saturday, 28th of July 2012, the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology of the Asian Institute Of Medical Sciences, organized a public awareness and open discussion seminar. Gastroenterologists, family physicians, GPs, postgraduate students and para- medical staff all participated in the open discussion. The program was started in the name of “Almighty Allah” and a recitation from the Holy Quran. Dr Iqbal Haroon, Director of Hajiyani Hospital, was the moderator of the open discussion. “It  is closer than you think” was the theme of this year's World Hepatitis Day, and the open discussion focused on raising awareness on the different forms of viral  hepatitis: what they are, how they are transmitted, who is at risk, and the various methods of prevention and treatment. Professor, Dr. Sadik  Memon, organizer of this event,  said that in Pakistan, many patients have lost their lives at the hands of quacks, so Pakistan needs the strictest possible laws to fight against these quacks, and must eradicate these deadly liver diseases. Dr. Sadik Memon further described how in Pakistan millions of people are infected with HBV . He added that every 10th to 12th individual in the Pakistani population is infected with hepatitis B or C ,which far exceeds the numbers from the last big earthquake  in Pakistan. It is essential that Pakistani doctors unite to save human lives and spare them of these deadly diseases. The most important aspects of prevention are hepatitis B vaccination, the screening of blood products, sterilized equipments and better hygiene standards in barber shops. Dr. Waqar, focal person of the Government Hepatitis Program, discussed the efforts of the Sindh government regarding the hepatitis program.  He said that

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/world-hepatitis-day-reflection-asian-institute-of-medical-sciences-hyderabad-pakistan/
  • Hepatitis B Foundation Bets on a Cure at the 2017 Crystal Ball

    A record $138,000 was raised to advance research and programs for people with hepatitis B  DOYLESTOWN, PA (April 2017)- The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) honored scientific and community leaders at its Crystal Ball on April 7, 2017, raising a record $138,000 to help fund the organization's valuable research, outreach, public health, and patient advocacy programs. The fundraiser, held at PineCrest Country Club in Lansdale, PA, attracted over 230 leaders from academia, industry, government and the community. The gala evening was emceed by Patrick Walsh of The Walsh Group and guests enjoyed table casino games by Tumbling Dice, dinner and dancing, a silent auction and an awards ceremony honoring scientist Mario Rizzetto, MD; community leaders Marvin and Dee Ann Woodall; and HBF co-founder and executive director Joan Block. Prof. Mario Rizzetto, MD (second from left) was awarded the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize for his discovery of the hepatitis delta virus. The foundation’s most prestigious award, the Baruch S. Blumberg Prize, was presented to Dr. Mario Rizzetto, honorary professor of Gastroenterology, University of Torino, Italy. He was recognized for his pioneering research that included the discovery of the hepatitis delta virus, which was a major scientific breakthrough. Hepatitis delta only infects those already infected with hepatitis B, and this co-infection is a deadly health problem worldwide. Marvin and Dee Ann Woodall receive the Community Commitment Award from Joel Rosen (left) and Tim Block (right) Marvin and Dee Ann Woodall were honored with the 2017 Community Commitment Award for improving the community through their significant financial support and board service for over 30 years.  Among their numerous charitable endeavors, they have supported the HBF’s Summer College Research Internship program for many years, and Mr. Woodall serves on the Leadership Council of the PA Biotechnology Center, which was created to be the home of the HBF in 2006 and is managed by its Baruch S. Blumberg Institute. Paul and Jan Witte (left) present the Distinguished Founders Award to Joan Block, joined by Tim Block. The ceremony concluded with a tribute to Joan Block, RN, BSN, HBF executive director, who co-founded the organization in 1991 with her husband, Dr. Tim Block, and Paul and Janine Witte. Ms. Block was recognized with the Distinguished Founders’ Award for her extraordinary leadership over the past 26 years. During her tenure, the HBF has grown into a professional organization with a global reach, touching millions of lives each year. In June 2017, Ms. Block will step down and pass the torch to a new leader who will inherit a strong organization with a deep commitment to pursuing excellent science rooted in human compassion. The Hepatitis B Foundation's 2017 Crystal Ball Gala was made possible with the generous support of Presenting Sponsor Univest Bank; Platinum Sponsors Arbutus Biopharma, ContraVir, Gilead Sciences, Janssen of J&J, and The Norwood Company; Diamond Sponsors Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, High Swartz LLP, and Penn Community Bank; Emerald Sponsors Allure West Studios, de Art Folio, and Inovio Pharmaceuticals;  and Media Sponsor Bucks County Herald. About the Hepatitis B Foundation: The 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. To learn more, go to www.hepb.org, read our blog at hepb.org/blog, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/hepbfoundation or call 215-489-4900.

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/news-2/gala2017/
  • Hep B Cure Campaign

    Curing hepatitis B is an urgent, critical goal for the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF), the 2.2 million people in the U.S. and the 292 million people globally who are chronically infected, and, we believe, for our corporate partners. In 2017, NASEM added its voice to WHO, declaring that hepatitis B could be eliminated by 2030. A determined advocacy effort successfully brought significant federal resources to bear on battles to cure HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. That is why HBF created the Hep B Cure Campaign (HBCC) to sharply focus attention on the timely opportunity to cure HBV. The Hepatitis B Foundation has established the “Hep B Cure Campaign (HBCC) Partnership” to promote increased public-sector investment in hepatitis B and liver cancer research to implement the Hepatitis B Foundation’s “Roadmap for a Cure.” The Roadmap was published in Antiviral Research (2018) and Hepatology (2018). This Roadmap represents a consensus of 35 leading scientists and clinicians and identifies 140 specific research projects over six years needing support from the National Institutes of Health. The HBCC Partnership seeks mutually beneficial relationships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, foundations, and individuals to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis B and related diseases (e.g. hepatitis delta and liver cancer). Through this collaboration, we will be able to expand advocacy efforts to secure increased congressional and NIH funding support of the Roadmap.  Vision Increasing federal funding for hepatitis B research over the next six years by the additional $39 million per year needed to implement the Roadmap Encouraging language in federal appropriations recognizing the importance of HBV and HCC research and service and urging that attention be given to these and other professional activities at all Federal agencies (NIH, CDC, DOD) involved with medical research and public health Encouraging the issuance of requests for proposals for HBV/HCC research for NIH consideration (i.e. NIAID, NIDDK, and NCI) Developing a framework for a trans-NIH scientific meeting toward creating an HBV and HCC NIH Research Action Plan based on the Roadmap Supporting current and exploring future clinical trials network expansion to evaluate new and emerging therapeutic agents and combination therapies Promoting HBF’s new policy position calling for universal HBV screening for adult population in the U.S. 2019 Partners Champion Platinum Partner: The Carol and Edmund Blake Foundation    Champion Silver Partner:   Leader Silver Partner: Leader Bronze Partner:   Progress Since the Campaign was launched in 2017, substantial progress has been made. The challenge ahead is to maintain and expand HBF’s advocacy efforts to secure funding for the research priorities identified in the Roadmap for a Cure. Below are some highlights of progress so far: Published two peer-reviewed journal articles, in Antiviral Research and Hepatology, leading the way for development of a research agenda to find a cure for hepatitis B. Developed the companion advocacy piece, A Roadmap for a Cure. Successfully advocated for increased federal research opportunities for hepatitis B through NIH and DOD. This led to new targeted grants opportunities and an increase in grant proposals focusing on hepatitis B. Click here for the 2020 Cure Campaign report.  Successfully advocated for establishment of the NIH Trans-Institute Hepatitis B Working Group, tasked with developing a Strategic Plan to Cure Hepatitis B. Conducted over 30 visits with legislators and leaders at NIH to encourage increased prioritization, funding and collaboration for hepatitis B cure research. Click here for our 2021 Appropriations Successes.  Organizing the 2019 Princeton Workshop to bring together leading scientists to discuss hepatitis B research progress.   Hepatitis B Cure Campaign Outreach Team: Timothy M. Block, PhD President and CEOHepatitis B Foundation Robert Gish, MD Medical DirectorHepatitis B Foundation Carol Brosgart, MD Board of DirectorsHepatitis B Foundation Nathanial Brown, MD Board of DirectorsHepatitis B Foundation Alan Brownstein, MPH ChairHep B Cure Campaign Outreach Committee Jean Holmes, MBA Vice President, Institutional AdvancementHepatitis B Foundation Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH Senior Vice PresidentHepatitis B Foundation   For more information about participation: Jean Holmes, MBAVice President, Institutional Advancement215-489-4946Jean.holmes@hepb.org

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/advocacy/hep-b-cure-campaign/