Activists hope hearing, ad campaign will spur hepatitis testing and prevention

Last week, a hearing on chronic viral hepatitis was held on Capitol Hill, and in conjunction with the event a non-profit advocacy group launched a new ad campaign urging legislators to act to stem the tide of infections.

On June 17, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee heard testimony on optimal strategies for implementing the recommendations regarding prevention of the disease made earlier this year by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

As they did so, the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) - a coalition dedicated to reducing the incidence of infection, morbidity and mortality from hepatitis B and C - unveiled its campaign under the banner Mission: Possible to push for action on HR 3974.

The bill, dubbed The Viral Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Control and Prevention Act, would boost the ability of the CDC to support state health departments in prevention, immunization, surveillance and medical care efforts.

"[This] initiative is a timely reminder to Congress, the administration and all stakeholders that federal action is desperately needed this year to help combat this insidious disease," said Lorren Sandt, chair of the NVHR.

She added that "the pressing challenge now before Congress and the administration is to provide federal funding to translate the IOM report into swift and decisive action."

According to the CDC, viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and is responsible for most liver transplantation cases. The center estimates that some 4.5 million Americans are living with chronic hepatitis B or C.