Updated Know Hepatitis B Campaign Materials from CDC Now Available – Tools To Increase HBV Awareness and Testing Among Asian American and Pacific Islanders

Summary: Blog post about new hepatitis B campaign resources from CDC.The end of May marks the close of both Hepatitis Awareness Month and Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Both observances have provided opportunities to raise awareness of and strengthen our response to the disproportionate burden of hepatitis B (HBV) infection among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). While AAPIs comprise approximately five percent of the U.S. population, they are disproportionately affected by HBV infection, accounting for over 50 percent of the nation's cases. Furthermore, an estimated 1 in 12 AAPIs are infected with HBV.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently launched the third phase of its Know Hepatitis B campaign, which is designed to:

• increase HBV testing among AAPI populations,
• increase awareness of HBV, providing education on the liver cancer risk associated with HBV, and
• decrease cultural stigma associated with HBV.

A variety of campaign materials are available for download and distribution, including: social media tools, posters, fact sheets, and templates that can be customized for use in your community. Many of these are available in a variety of Asian languages as well as English. Know Hepatitis B also features video and radio public service announcements, a national coalition working to leverage community groups to increase HBV awareness, screening, vaccination, and linkage to care. Together, CDC and Hep B United are extending the reach of Know Hepatitis B into AAPI communities, and promoting education and testing through community partnerships.

May has been a busy month for federal and community stakeholders alike, but our work to increase awareness of viral hepatitis continues throughout the year. Tools like the Know Hepatitis B Campaign provide ongoing opportunities educate communities about HBV—particularly the disproportionate burden of HBV on the AAPI community. When paired, culturally tailored materials and partnerships like the one between CDC and Hep B United create enhanced opportunities to increase testing and improve outcomes for people living with chronic HBV infection.