This week, we release the third annual report of progress made in implementing the Action Plan for the Prevention, Care, and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis (Action Plan). The 2013 report , compiled by the HHS Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, spotlights several key accomplishments under each of the Action Plan’s six priority areas as reported by Federal partners from across the government.

Released in May 2011, the initial Action Plan was the nation’s first comprehensive plan to respond to viral hepatitis and it detailed goals, strategies, and actions to be undertaken by federal agencies and offices between 2011-2013 to improve viral hepatitis prevention, care and treatment in the United States. Among the most significant activities undertaken in 2013 was the development of a three-year renewal of that plan, extending our collaborative work across the government and with non-federal stakeholders through 2016.

The progress report features commentaries on some key issues in viral hepatitis by John Ward, MD, Director of CDC’s Division of Viral Hepatitis, Elinore McCance-Katz, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), as well as me.

This report includes a bibliography of articles by our federal partners published in the peer-reviewed literature in 2013 as well as reports and other technical documents produced in 2013 , efforts that help us move closer toward achieving the goals of the Action Plan.

Keep in mind that the activities summarized in this report represent only a portion of the myriad activities undertaken by federal stakeholders in 2013 to help us advance toward the Viral Hepatitis Action Plan’s national goals. Together with a host of important efforts pursued by non-federal stakeholders, these activities have strengthened the foundation for continued efforts to improve viral hepatitis prevention, diagnosis, care, and treatment across the United States. Before he left federal service in July 2014, the former Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Howard Koh, lauded federal and non-federal partners for their ongoing efforts to implement the national Action Plan. Our acting Assistant Secretary for Health, Dr. Karen DeSalvo will continue to promote OASH’s strong support for the goals of the national Viral Hepatitis Action Plan.

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