World Hepatitis Awareness Day

[Guest guest]

World Hepatitis Awareness Day

Main Category: Liver Disease / Hepatitis News

Article Date: 27 Sep 2006 - 0:00am (PDT)

Copenhagen, Denmark - Sir Bob Geldof today added his voice to that of

hepatitis patient groups, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional

Office for Europe and the European Association for the Study of the Liver

(EASL) by calling on governments around the world to prioritise hepatitis.

Almost 600 million people worldwide are infected with either hepatitis B or

C, both potentially life-threatening liver diseases. Of these, 350 million

have hepatitis B despite WHO guidelines released in 19911recomending the

addition of hepatitis B vaccination to all national immunization programmes.

New research from both WHO Europe and the European Liver Patient Association

(ELPA) show inconsistencies in hepatitis testing, diagnosis and treatment

across Europe and beyond. With increased movement across borders and the

knowledge that a possible 86% of people with hepatitis C are unaware they

have it (UK2,3), these inconsistencies could have a lasting impact on the

health of the global community. This has lead Sir Bob Geldof, WHO Europe and

patient groups from around the globe to call on governments to take action

now before there is an epidemic of liver disease.

Speaking in a pre-recorded message, Sir Bob Geldof highlighted the

importance for those at risk, to get tested: “Stigma, shame and fear can

suffocate awareness. These barriers prevent people from getting tested,

receiving treatment and clearing themselves of this disease. The thing about

the hepatitis C virus is that it does not cause any obvious symptoms. People

can be infected with the virus for years and not know. This has led to

people calling it a silent disease. The good news is that hepatitis C can

actually be cured in many people. Seek advice from your doctor and ask about

the risk factors for hepatitis C. The worst situation is to be diagnosed

when the disease has progressed too far to be treated.”

Dr Marc Danzon, Director of WHO Europe recognises the importance of this

global health threat. “Controlling hepatitis poses a significant challenge

in the 21st century, and the number of people developing serious liver

disease as a result of these viral infections continues to rise. WHO Europe,

along with many other partners, is concerned about the high levels of

infection, which in some areas of the world can be classified as highly

endemic.”

Key findings of the ELPA survey conducted in 15 European countries include

the following:

-- Lack of national strategy: Only 4 of the 15 countries surveyed (France,

Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom) have a national strategy for the

prevention and treatment of hepatitis, and fewer than half reported that

government funding was available to support patient associations in targeted

initiatives.

-- Stigma and discrimination: There are alarming levels of stigma and

discrimination associated with viral hepatitis - 10 of the 15 countries

reported that people with hepatitis are discriminated against politically,

socially and economically.

-- Screening and diagnosis: While screening is free in 9 of the 15 countries

surveyed, government- organized programmes to promote screening exist only

in two countries (France and the Netherlands.) In addition, 14 of the 15

countries do not run annual screening programmes. Many countries (e.g.

Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania and Switzerland) consider screening

difficult to access, and in 5 of the 15 countries patients have to pay for

the test.

-- Reimbursement and access to treatment needed: There are large variations

in reimbursement and access to treatment. While many countries in the ELPA

survey reported 100% coverage of hepatitis C treatment costs, Bosnia and

Egypt offered no reimbursement, Belgium only 85% and Switzerland 90% of

costs. According to a recent WHO Europe survey, Latvia reimburses 75% of

hepatitis C treatment costs, while people with hepatitis in the other former

Soviet Union countries must cover the cost of medication themselves.

Muriel Colinet, President of ELPA explained that “The research presented

today clearly demonstrates the need for a unified European approach;

including free screening across Europe. It is crucial that anyone who feels

that they may be at risk from this virus are tested as soon as possible.”

Many pivotal organizations, including WHO Europe, the European Commission,

ELPA and EASL, convened in advance of World Hepatitis Awareness Day (held

annually on Sunday October 1) at the WHO Europe in Denmark to hear about

this new data. Delegates heard of the urgent need for improved rates of

testing and diagnosis as well as access to treatment in all countries to

ensure that hepatitis does not become the next global epidemic.

Delegates heard from Dr Jean-Michel Pawlotsky, Scientific Secretary of EASL,

who explained that with early diagnosis and treatment, the majority of

hepatitis B and C patients can be treated effectively. “People with

hepatitis C can achieve a sustained viral response, the clinical equivalent

of a cure. Treatment options over the last decade have improved

significantly and it is fundamental that patients are tested and diagnosed

as early as possible if they are to stand the best chance of clearing the

virus. Issues and unresolved questions remain however, and it is mandatory

that basic and clinical research on viral hepatitis be put very high on the

agenda of worldwide stakeholders including political and funding bodies.”

In a call to action, Dr Marc Danzon, Director, WHO Europe added “As a

disease that affects over half a billion people worldwide, WHO Europe

believes it is an urgent priority for all stakeholders including doctors,

governments and non-governmental organizations around the world do more to

raise awareness of hepatitis B and C and to stop the spread of one of the

greatest threats to the health of mankind today.”

About World Hepatitis Awareness Day

Now in its third year, World Hepatitis Awareness Day, which takes place on

October 1, 2006, aims to increase awareness about hepatitis B and C. This

year, Sir Bob Geldof, WHO Europe, the EASL, ELPA and approximately 20

international patient organizations are working together to promote this

important educational initiative. The theme for this year is Get Tested.

Both forms of viral hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver

transplantation and yet hepatitis B can be prevented through immunisation

and in many cases, hepatitis C can be cured. Hence WHO Europe has today

released three hepatitis prevention, treatment and care protocols for the

European Region (available at http://www.euro.who.int/aids).

Further information about hepatitis can be found on:

elpa-info.org

worldhepatitisawarenessday.com

hep-links.com

References:

1 World Health Organization. Fact Sheet No. 204: Hepatitis B. 2000.

who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en

2 Health Protection Agency. Hepatitis C laboratory reports: England and

Wales, 1992-2004.

hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/hepatitis_c/data_lab_sex.htm

3 ish Executive. Hepatitis C: essential information for professionals.

scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2002/07/15074/8613

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=52742

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

World Hepatitis Awareness Day

Main Category: Liver Disease / Hepatitis News

Article Date: 27 Sep 2006 - 0:00am (PDT)

Copenhagen, Denmark - Sir Bob Geldof today added his voice to that of

hepatitis patient groups, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional

Office for Europe and the European Association for the Study of the Liver

(EASL) by calling on governments around the world to prioritise hepatitis.

Almost 600 million people worldwide are infected with either hepatitis B or

C, both potentially life-threatening liver diseases. Of these, 350 million

have hepatitis B despite WHO guidelines released in 19911recomending the

addition of hepatitis B vaccination to all national immunization programmes.

New research from both WHO Europe and the European Liver Patient Association

(ELPA) show inconsistencies in hepatitis testing, diagnosis and treatment

across Europe and beyond. With increased movement across borders and the

knowledge that a possible 86% of people with hepatitis C are unaware they

have it (UK2,3), these inconsistencies could have a lasting impact on the

health of the global community. This has lead Sir Bob Geldof, WHO Europe and

patient groups from around the globe to call on governments to take action

now before there is an epidemic of liver disease.

Speaking in a pre-recorded message, Sir Bob Geldof highlighted the

importance for those at risk, to get tested: “Stigma, shame and fear can

suffocate awareness. These barriers prevent people from getting tested,

receiving treatment and clearing themselves of this disease. The thing about

the hepatitis C virus is that it does not cause any obvious symptoms. People

can be infected with the virus for years and not know. This has led to

people calling it a silent disease. The good news is that hepatitis C can

actually be cured in many people. Seek advice from your doctor and ask about

the risk factors for hepatitis C. The worst situation is to be diagnosed

when the disease has progressed too far to be treated.”

Dr Marc Danzon, Director of WHO Europe recognises the importance of this

global health threat. “Controlling hepatitis poses a significant challenge

in the 21st century, and the number of people developing serious liver

disease as a result of these viral infections continues to rise. WHO Europe,

along with many other partners, is concerned about the high levels of

infection, which in some areas of the world can be classified as highly

endemic.”

Key findings of the ELPA survey conducted in 15 European countries include

the following:

-- Lack of national strategy: Only 4 of the 15 countries surveyed (France,

Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom) have a national strategy for the

prevention and treatment of hepatitis, and fewer than half reported that

government funding was available to support patient associations in targeted

initiatives.

-- Stigma and discrimination: There are alarming levels of stigma and

discrimination associated with viral hepatitis - 10 of the 15 countries

reported that people with hepatitis are discriminated against politically,

socially and economically.

-- Screening and diagnosis: While screening is free in 9 of the 15 countries

surveyed, government- organized programmes to promote screening exist only

in two countries (France and the Netherlands.) In addition, 14 of the 15

countries do not run annual screening programmes. Many countries (e.g.

Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania and Switzerland) consider screening

difficult to access, and in 5 of the 15 countries patients have to pay for

the test.

-- Reimbursement and access to treatment needed: There are large variations

in reimbursement and access to treatment. While many countries in the ELPA

survey reported 100% coverage of hepatitis C treatment costs, Bosnia and

Egypt offered no reimbursement, Belgium only 85% and Switzerland 90% of

costs. According to a recent WHO Europe survey, Latvia reimburses 75% of

hepatitis C treatment costs, while people with hepatitis in the other former

Soviet Union countries must cover the cost of medication themselves.

Muriel Colinet, President of ELPA explained that “The research presented

today clearly demonstrates the need for a unified European approach;

including free screening across Europe. It is crucial that anyone who feels

that they may be at risk from this virus are tested as soon as possible.”

Many pivotal organizations, including WHO Europe, the European Commission,

ELPA and EASL, convened in advance of World Hepatitis Awareness Day (held

annually on Sunday October 1) at the WHO Europe in Denmark to hear about

this new data. Delegates heard of the urgent need for improved rates of

testing and diagnosis as well as access to treatment in all countries to

ensure that hepatitis does not become the next global epidemic.

Delegates heard from Dr Jean-Michel Pawlotsky, Scientific Secretary of EASL,

who explained that with early diagnosis and treatment, the majority of

hepatitis B and C patients can be treated effectively. “People with

hepatitis C can achieve a sustained viral response, the clinical equivalent

of a cure. Treatment options over the last decade have improved

significantly and it is fundamental that patients are tested and diagnosed

as early as possible if they are to stand the best chance of clearing the

virus. Issues and unresolved questions remain however, and it is mandatory

that basic and clinical research on viral hepatitis be put very high on the

agenda of worldwide stakeholders including political and funding bodies.”

In a call to action, Dr Marc Danzon, Director, WHO Europe added “As a

disease that affects over half a billion people worldwide, WHO Europe

believes it is an urgent priority for all stakeholders including doctors,

governments and non-governmental organizations around the world do more to

raise awareness of hepatitis B and C and to stop the spread of one of the

greatest threats to the health of mankind today.”

About World Hepatitis Awareness Day

Now in its third year, World Hepatitis Awareness Day, which takes place on

October 1, 2006, aims to increase awareness about hepatitis B and C. This

year, Sir Bob Geldof, WHO Europe, the EASL, ELPA and approximately 20

international patient organizations are working together to promote this

important educational initiative. The theme for this year is Get Tested.

Both forms of viral hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver

transplantation and yet hepatitis B can be prevented through immunisation

and in many cases, hepatitis C can be cured. Hence WHO Europe has today

released three hepatitis prevention, treatment and care protocols for the

European Region (available at http://www.euro.who.int/aids).

Further information about hepatitis can be found on:

elpa-info.org

worldhepatitisawarenessday.com

hep-links.com

References:

1 World Health Organization. Fact Sheet No. 204: Hepatitis B. 2000.

who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs204/en

2 Health Protection Agency. Hepatitis C laboratory reports: England and

Wales, 1992-2004.

hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/hepatitis_c/data_lab_sex.htm

3 ish Executive. Hepatitis C: essential information for professionals.

scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2002/07/15074/8613

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=52742

_________________________________________________________________

All-in-one security and maintenance for your PC.  Get a free 90-day trial!

http://clk.atdmt.com/MSN/go/msnnkwlo0050000001msn/direct/01/?href=http://www.win\

dowsonecare.com/?sc_cid=msn_hotmail