CAPAC Members Recognize World Hepatitis Day
Washington, D.C. – Today marks the observance of World Hepatitis Day, which encourages communities and governments around the world to join in efforts to prevent and eliminate viral hepatitis. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“World Hepatitis Day is an important time to raise awareness about a ‘silent killer’ that impacts far too many communities worldwide, including millions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Although AAPIs account for 6 percent of the total U.S. population, we comprise over half of those with chronic hepatitis B infections. The effects of this disease are severe – ranging from liver cancer to even death. And the worst part is that most people do not even know they are infected until it is too late, even though hepatitis B is both preventable and treatable. That is why as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I have made it a top priority to raise awareness about viral hepatitis. By ensuring that people are educated about the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and C, I hope that we can make strides in putting an end to this pernicious disease.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus & Congressional Hepatitis Caucus Co-Chair:
“We have the tools at our disposal to prevent the spread of hepatitis B and C, and we must use them to rid the world of this viral disease. With one in ten Asian American immigrants infected with this deadly virus, we can’t wait any longer to take the steps to prevent, treat, and ultimately eradicate hepatitis B and C. Every person should be tested for hepatitis B, and we must make treatment options available to everyone in this country. By investing resources toward research, testing, prevention, and treatment, we can rid the world of this ‘silent killer.’”
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07), CAPAC Health Care Task Force Co-Chair:
“As a doctor and the co-chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific Americans Caucus Healthcare Task Force, I join with my fellow CAPAC colleagues and Americans everywhere to recognize World Hepatitis Day. Hepatitis has devastated far too many families and disproportionately affects the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that as many 2 in 3 people with Hepatitis don’t know they are infected. This day is an important reminder of the need to recommit to raising awareness about this disease to ensure patients and their families get the care and treatment they need.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), CAPAC Health Care Task Force Co-Chair:
“World Hepatitis Day is an important reminder of the impact of Hepatitis on communities around the world. With 400 million people living with Hepatitis worldwide, it is critical that we spread awareness on how to prevent this disease and provide quality care to those living with it. Every single day, 4,000 people around the world die of Hepatitis. Together, we can stop the spread of this disease and prevent all new infections. By speaking up, educating communities and providing high quality care, we can end Hepatitis.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.