World Hepatitis Testing Week

World Hepatitis Testing Week starts November 17th. This global campaign, led by the World Hepatitis Alliance, highlights the urgent challenge facing us – the need to dramatically increase testing and diagnosis of viral hepatitis if we are to achieve elimination of viral hepatitis. By viral hepatitis, we mean the infections viral hepatitis B, C, A, D, and E.

WHY WORLD HEPATITIS TESTING WEEK IS IMPORTANT

More than 300 million people are living with viral hepatitis worldwide. Many people are unaware of their infection and will not discover it until it is too late. Many people remain symptom-free until late in the disease course. Getting tested for viral hepatitis could save your life. We have effective tests, treatments, and vaccines for viral hepatitis, yet only a fraction of people living with viral hepatitis are aware – just 13% of people living with hepatitis B are diagnosed, and 36% of people living with hepatitis C. Solving the viral hepatitis problem starts with blood testing for diagnosis.

Knowing if you are living with viral hepatitis is the first step to protecting yourself, your loved ones, and the next generation. Testing for viral hepatitis is a critical action everyone can take to help eliminate these diseases for good.

Talk with your provider about whether you have been tested. If you do not have a provider, free testing is available at HealthFirst Family Care Center Inc. (add info here about getting an appointment w Kelley for screening). We have an on-site specialist physician who treats adults 18 and older with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C (add something about seeing our website section on viral hepatitis). We have safe, effective vaccines available for hepatitis A and B that we can provide for protection.

Take the “Should I Get Tested for Hepatitis” quiz to learn more!