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 2022, the CDC reported that the rate of new chronic hepatitis B cases was highest among AANHPI persons compared to other racial or ethnic groups—more than 11 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):

“Because of inadequate or unaffordable access to care, preventative measures for hepatitis – like vaccination and testing – remain out of reach for far too many. These barriers are compounded for communities of color like AANHPIs, who have disproportionately high infection rates for hepatitis and often require culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible services to have their needs fully understood and met by health care providers. Without change, AANHPIs and all underserved individuals with hepatitis will continue to lack the proper access to care that they deserve. This World Hepatitis Day, my CAPAC colleagues and I recommit to pursuing legislative solutions and raising awareness of hepatitis to close these disparities, improve access to affordable hepatitis testing and treatments, and ultimately save lives.”

CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):

“Let's unite to raise awareness about the disproportionate impact of viral hepatitis on the AAPI community. Asian Americans account for over half of all Hepatitis B infections in the United States, despite making up only 7% of the total population. It's crucial to prioritize accessible testing, vaccines, and treatments to combat this serious health threat. Not only that, but community outreach and communication must be increased to these groups to limit exposure and treatment. Together, let's work towards eliminating barriers to healthcare and ensuring a healthier future for all.”

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):

“This World Hepatitis Day, I join my CAPAC colleagues to raise awareness about hepatitis B and its disproportionate impact on the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. Making up only 7% of the country’s population, members of the AANHPI community account for approximately half of all hepatitis B cases in the United States. We also see disparities in fatality rates—AANHPIs are eight times more likely to die from hepatitis B compared to non-Hispanic white individuals. In recognition of this year’s World Hepatitis Day theme, “It’s time for action,” I remain committed to combatting this disease and ensuring testing, care, and lifesaving treatments are accessible to all Americans, especially those in medically underserved communities.”

CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):

“Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and curable, yet our AANHPI communities continue to suffer from disproportionately high rates of infection and mortality. In Hawaiʻi, we have one of the nation’s highest liver cancer rates – the leading causes of which are hepatitis B and C – along with one of the highest hepatitis B mortality rates in the country. As we recognize World Hepatitis Day, we must urgently work to remove barriers to prevention and care that have left AANHPI more vulnerable to viral hepatitis. From increasing access to in-language education and culturally-appropriate care to expanding research and data disaggregation, we need to make sure our communities benefit from the progress we've made towards eliminating this life-threatening disease.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12), CAPAC Co-Chair of the CAPAC Healthcare Task Force:

“Today, on World Hepatitis Day, I stand in solidarity with all of those affected by hepatitis and reaffirm my commitment to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and ensuring access to treatment. It is imperative to recognize the disproportionate impact hepatitis has on the AANHPI community, who account for over half of hepatitis B cases in America. As Co-Chair of CAPAC’s healthcare task force, I aim to prioritize culturally competent healthcare and support initiatives aimed at eradicating hepatitis in the Asian American community. I am so proud to have reintroduced the Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2024 with CAPAC Chair Chu and Senator Hirono, which will ensure equitable health policies for AANHPI communities. Together, we can continue to work towards a future free from the devastating effects of this illness.”

Rep. Ed Case (HI-01):

“World Hepatitis Day is an especially important time to spread awareness about a disease that disproportionately impacts Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). While AAPIs account for 7% of the total U.S. population, they account for over 50% of the more than 800,000 Americans living with chronic hepatitis B. But the good news is that we can fight back. That starts with education and preparation, which is what World Hepatitis Day is about. I encourage everyone at risk to get tested. Prompt identification of the infection is essential to ensure people receive necessary treatment to prevent liver disease and to prevent transmission to others.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“This World Hepatitis Day, I’m joining my CAPAC colleagues in raising awareness about the terrible disease and its disproportionate effects on the AANHPI community. Together we must work to end the stigma, encourage testing, and fight to eradicate this disease for all Americans.”