CAPAC Members Mark World Hepatitis Day
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today marks World Hepatitis Day, which is observed annually to raise global awareness about viral hepatitis and encourage the eradication of this disease. In the United States, the most common types of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Viral hepatitis B disproportionately impacts the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) population and can lead to serious health problems, including cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death.
In 2020, the CDC reported that the rate of new chronic hepatitis B cases was highest among AANHPI persons compared to other racial or ethnic groups—almost 12 times the rate among non-Hispanic White persons. In addition, the death rate with hepatitis B is highest among the AANHPI population—nearly 9 times the death rate among non-Hispanic White persons. Chronic hepatitis B is often referred to as a “silent killer” because many individuals who are infected may experience no symptoms and consequently are unaware of their illness until serious health problems arise later.
CAPAC Members released the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“This World Hepatitis Day, I strongly reaffirm my commitment to support efforts to increase access to health care services and destigmatize getting tested or treated for viral hepatitis—especially within the AANHPI community, who are so disproportionately affected by this disease and die at rates nine times higher than non-Hispanic white persons. Even though it often is a ‘silent killer’, hepatitis B can be prevented by getting a vaccine, and those who do get infected can receive treatment early if they get tested. That is why it is so important that we continue to raise awareness and call for more affordable, culturally appropriate, and linguistically accessible services for all of our communities.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“As a member of the Congressional Hepatitis Caucus, and its former co-chair, I have heard countless stories how Hepatitis has impacted the lives of millions of people throughout the United States. This illness disproportionately impacts AANHPI individuals, who account for 50% of all cases in the country, despite making up just over 7% of the total U.S. population. One of the most important parts of effectively addressing, treating, and one day eradicating Hepatitis is raising awareness, which is why World Hepatitis Day is so important. I remain committed and dedicated to supporting strong investments to combat and cure Hepatitis.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“On World Hepatitis Day, I join my CAPAC colleagues to raise awareness about viral hepatitis, a serious chronic disease that affects the AAPI community at a disproportionate rate. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders account for a high percentage of Hepatitis B infections in the US, despite only making up 6.2% of the population. We must dedicate resources to educate about hepatitis and work to ensure testing, vaccines, and treatments are accessible to the AAPI community, and all Americans, as we continue the fight to eradicate this disease.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“On World Hepatitis Day, we raise awareness of the dangers posed by chronic hepatitis B infection to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community and all Americans. Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders disproportionately suffer from chronic hepatitis B, accounting for over half of all Americans living with the disease. AANHPIS are 83 times more likely to develop hepatitis B than non-Hispanic White Americans, and two-thirds of AANHPIs living with chronic hepatitis B don't even know they have it. If left untreated, chronic hepatitis B can cause fatal liver conditions. This year’s World Hepatitis Day theme, ‘We’re not waiting,’ demonstrates the necessary mindset to raise awareness of and combat this disease. We must ensure all Americans have equal access to chronic hepatitis B education, testing, prevention and lifesaving treatments.”
CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):
"As we recognize World Hepatitis Day 2023, I believe we must act with urgency to ensure everyone has access to the care they need, no matter their zip code or circumstances. Compared with other states, Hawaiʻi has one of the highest rates of liver cancer, the leading causes of which are hepatitis B and C. Unfortunately, systemic barriers to care continue to leave certain communities especially vulnerable to this life-threatening virus, including immigrants and others in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Hepatitis is treatable—the time to act is now."
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12):
“On World Hepatitis Day, we acknowledge and raise awareness of the harm posed by this disease to the individuals across the globe, including within the AAPI community. Congress must ensure that high quality testing and treatment are accessible to those who need it. As Co-Chair of CAPAC's healthcare task force, I reaffirm my commitment to combatting hepatitis and its effects on at-risk and medically underserved communities.”
Sen. Cory Booker (NJ):
“On World Hepatitis Day, we must remain united in our commitment to eradicating viral hepatitis and addressing the health disparities it presents. By reducing the stigma around seeking care, improving public education, and increasing access to affordable treatments, we can save lives and remove the burden of this deadly infection. Let us recommit ourselves to eliminating viral hepatitis and ensuring everyone has access to the affordable and comprehensive care they need.”