CAPAC Recognizes World Hepatitis Day
Washington, D.C. – Today is World Hepatitis Day, an opportunity to learn more about viral Hepatitis. One in ten Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders live with chronic Hepatitis B and two-thirds of those who are infected are not aware of their status. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“In the United States, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) account for more than 50 percent of all cases of chronic Hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer and cancer deaths for AAPIs. It is why I am a strong supporter of the global #NOHep campaign to eliminate viral hepatitis by the year 2030.
“For AAPIs in particular, we must continue to educate and remove the cultural stigma of Hepatitis B in our communities. As we mark World Hepatitis Day, I encourage all Americans to prioritize their health and get screened for viral Hepatitis.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“As the representative of the first and only majority Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) district, I recognize the disproportionate effects of hepatitis on communities of color, particularly the AAPI community. Awareness is the antidote to the spread of this disease. On World Hepatitis Day, let us renew our commitment to educating our communities and getting them hepatitis free. I look forward to the day we are able to finally eliminate this silent epidemic.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), Healthcare Task Force Co-Chair:
“World Hepatitis Day is an important reminder of the impact of Hepatitis on communities around the world. Worldwide, 400 million people are living with Hepatitis and 4,000 people die every day from Hepatitis. It is critical that we spread awareness on how to prevent this disease and provide quality care to those living with it. 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.