Hepatitis B, a local crisis for Asian Americans

Hepatitis B, a local crisis for Asian Americans Phoenix, Arizona, July 14, 2011──The World Health Organization has set July 28 as the world...

Hepatitis B, a local crisis for Asian Americans July 14, 2011 Phoenix, Arizona─The World Health Organization has designated July 28 as World Hepatitis Day. But for Doug Hirano, CEO of the Asia Pacific Community Initiative, the hepatitis B infection crisis didn't come to light because of global attention. "Data from the Arizona Department of Health Services shows that Asian Americans accounted for 40 percent of the chronic hepatitis B cases recorded in Maricopa County over the past five years, yet Asian Americans make up only 3 percent of the population," Mr. Hirano said. "This is a warning." Nationwide, one in 12 Asians has a lifelong infection with hepatitis B, a viral infection of the liver. For the American population of other ethnic groups, only one in 1,000 people are infected with chronic hepatitis B. Without medical monitoring and treatment, 25% of people with chronic hepatitis B will develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 25% of people infected with hepatitis B are unaware that they are infected. Mr. Hirano said, "National data indicate that more Asians are undiagnosed with hepatitis B than are undiagnosed with HIV." He also pointed out that compared with HIV, attention to the problem of chronic hepatitis B in Asians is pitiful. Even a simple blood test can diagnose the infection, and a vaccine can prevent the infection; we need to disseminate this information so that all Asians will be able to get tested and vaccinated. In recognition of World Hepatitis Day, the Asian Pacific Community Initiative, a local non-profit organization, will host a free hepatitis B testing and education seminar on Saturday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Vietnamese Community Center (2051 W. Warner Road, Suite 22, Chandler). Information will be provided at the venue to help people without health insurance apply for publicly funded health insurance plans or other medical care options. For more information, call the Asia Pacific Community Advancement Association at (602) 265-4598 or go to www.apcaaz.org. To contact Mr. Doug Hirano, please email doug@apcaaz.org or call (480) 516-5038.