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Supporting Goals and Ideals of National Hepatitis B Awareness Week

Date: May 11, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care


SUPPORTING GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL HEPATITIS B AWARENESS WEEK -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 11, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. TAMMY BALDWIN
OF WISCONSIN
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2005

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for increased awareness and education around the potentially life-threatening disease, hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is the most common liver infection in the world, and approximately 5,000 Americans will die from complications of this disease in 2005.

The hepatitis B virus is extremely infectious. In fact, it is 100 times more infectious than the HIV virus. Twelve million people in the United States are already infected, and an additional 100,000 more will become infected this year. In my home state of Wisconsin, nearly 600 cases of hepatitis B are reported each year.

This disease is easily transmittable through blood and blood products, bodily fluid, from mother to newborn, unprotected sex, and intravenous drug use. Furthermore, this disease is especially dangerous because many people are completely unaware that they may have come into contact with it until they develop more serious complications such as cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. Less than ten percent of Americans suffering from hepatitis B are receiving proper treatment for their disease.

Last week, I was proud to join my colleagues in supporting House Resolution 250, Supporting the Goals and Ideals of National Hepatitis B Awareness Week. Though vaccinations, increased awareness and education initiatives surrounding hepatitis B, this disease is largely preventable. During the week, community events across the country will bring together patients, public health advocates, physicians, and at risk populations to increase awareness and bolster education efforts on preventive measures and disease management.

As we recognize National Hepatitis B Awareness Week, I am hopeful that we can join together and work towards an end to this life-threatening disease.

http://thomas.loc.gov

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