November 2021
Saving the next generation from hepatitis B infection In Nigeria
Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of hepatitis B in the world and also is one of the world’s fastest-growing countries.

That means an accelerating rate of children becoming infected with hepatitis B through mother-to-child (perinatal) transmission – which is preventable if the hepatitis B vaccine is given within 24 hours of birth.

In response to this growing need, the Hepatitis B Foundation has begun an innovative program, working with global partners such as the CDC, to train community health workers in Nigeria. Please read more and consider donating to this life-changing effort here.

The Foundation's Catherine Freeland (facing) in Nigeria speaking with a local resident last summer.
Landmark vote by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend universal hepatitis B vaccination
Thank you all for your support of our online petition to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Your signatures combined with an organization-sign on letter, public comments, and lots of work helped bring about a landmark and hugely positive decision by the ACIP.

On Nov. 3, the ACIP voted to recommend universal hepatitis B vaccination for all adults ages 19 to 59 in the U.S.

This is a huge win in the fight against hepatitis B, and the Hepatitis B Foundation believes that this simplified, updated recommendation will go a long way towards improving vaccination rates and protecting adults in the U.S. (currently only 30% of U.S. adults are vaccinated). While we are disappointed that the recommendation is not universal for adults over age 59, we look forward to working with state, federal and community partners to implement these guidelines and get more adults vaccinated and protected from hepatitis B infection!

Read more about this decision here.
Hep B United and the TB Elimination Alliance co-hosted a successful summit!
The 2021 Hep B United / TB Elimination Alliance (TEA) Summit was a great success.

The event, held over two days, covered many important topics that are important to communities severely impacted by hepatitis B and tuberculosis. We discussed local innovations, prevention efforts, leveraging data to strengthen elimination efforts, barriers to screening, the lived experience, impacts of COVID-19 on services and more.

It was Hep B United's ninth annual and second digital summit, and attracted more than 230 people. Collaborating with our TEA partners will help us expand our work and make an even greater impact in our communities.
#justB Grateful: watch Alice's story
Alice comes from a Chinese family where talking about illness is taboo. It was only when she became pregnant with her first child that she discovered she has hepatitis B.

Alice learned that her mother has the virus and most likely transmitted the disease at birth.

Fortunately, Alice’s two children were screened and vaccinated at birth and tested negative for hepatitis B. Today, they are all committed advocates for prevention and care.

Watch Alice's story here
Consult Corner: Can hepatitis B be spread by sharing food?
Welcome to Consult Corner, where we share the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions that we receive!

This month's question: Can hepatitis B be spread by sharing food?

The answer is NO. Whether you are cooking for your family and friends for Thanksgiving dinner, or you’re sharing a meal during a special family occasion, rest assured that hepatitis B is not transmitted through sharing food or utensils or eating food prepared by someone who is infected with hepatitis B.
 
Hepatitis B is spread through direct blood-to-blood contact during unprotected sex, the use of unsterile needles, and from an infected woman to her newborn during the delivery process. Other possible routes of infection include sharing any sharp instruments such as razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers or earrings, since small amounts of blood can be exchanged through these items. This is why it is important to cover even the smallest wounds with a bandage. Also, body piercing and tattooing are potential sources of infection if unsterile needles are used. Learn more about hepatitis B transmission, and how to protect your loved ones.
 
So, roll up your sleeves and show everyone what a good cook you are! 
New "B Heppy" podcast: caregivers and hepatitis B
The latest episode is about hepatitis B and caregivers. Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. It offers an opportunity to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communities and increase support for caregivers.

In this episode, we chat with Kim, who was a caregiver for her father living with hepatitis B. She talks about her caregiving experience and gives advice to other caregivers of people living with hepatitis B.

And if you missed the last episode, click here to listen to an interview with Dr. Stephan Urban, who developed the first and only drug for hepatitis D.

You can find the podcast episodes here or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
People living with hepatitis D needed for advisory group
Gilead Sciences Inc. is seeking people diagnosed with hepatitis D (HDV) who are interested in sharing their personal experiences and providing feedback as part of an advisory board. The will help the development of patient education materials, resources, and services that are intended to support, inform, and empower the patient community.

If you are interested, please contact niamaya@mypatientstory.com or 1-855-739-3141.
Pharmacists and clinicians, this webcast series will help you to care for patients with hepatitis B
CME Outfitters presents a webcast series aimed at helping pharmacists better care for those with hepatitis B. Part 1 deals with screening and hepatitis B serologic results to inform treatment decisions.

Learn more here.
If you love someone with hepatitis B,
the patient hub is a resource for you
The Patient Hub from CME outfitters includes a hepatitis B overview, information on treatment and co-infections, and tools for improved patient communication and self-advocacy, among other resources.

Visit the patient hub today!
U.S. researchers seeking people living with hepatitis B

Researchers across the U.S. are recruiting people living with hepatitis B for a clinical trial of a potential new treatment called Cemiplimab. Sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the study is being led by a team at the University of California at Los Angeles and has sites in L.A., New York City, Atlanta and other cities. If you’re interested, you can find eligibility information on ClinicalTrials.gov, using the identifier, NCT04046107. Enrollment must be done through a physician.
Compelling interview with Dr. Thomas Tu
Thomas Tu, PhD, of Australia has an intimate relationship with the hepatitis B virus. He has devoted his life's work to the study of the virus and he is living with hepatitis B. Read about his unique journey here.
Hepatitis B Foundation's journal pick of the month
Health-related quality of life for adults living with
hepatitis B in the U.S.: a qualitative study
C. Freeland, R. Racho, M. Kamischke, K. Moraras, E. Wang, C. Cohen & S. Kendrick
Research led by the Hepatitis B Foundation adds important information about the quality of life impact of living with chronic hepatitis B. The team conducted in-depth interviews with a sample of 19 individuals living with chronic hepatitis B. The study found that the psychological impact of chronic hepatitis B on study participants’ quality of life was considerable and contributed to depression, anxiety, homelessness, drug use and incarceration. The study results support the hypothesis that chronic hepatitis B impacts quality of life and often negatively affects emotional health. Findings suggest it would be beneficial to include quality of life assessment in the medical management of hepatitis B, to improve quality of life for those living with hepatitis B.
You can see a Nobel Prize Laureate deliver a fascinating lecture

Last month, we had the pleasure of hosting Nobel Prize Laureate Harvey J. Alter, MD, for the 2021 Bruce Witte Lecture. He delivered a wonderful and entertaining presentation titled, "From New York to Stockholm: A Tale of Two Cities and Two Viruses." You can watch the full lecture here.

Dr. Timothy Block (left), Jan Witte (center) and Dr. Harvey Alter
Dec. 2 - Blumberg Institute Seminar: Laura Bergner, PhD
Online Event
Details coming soon

Feb. 2 - Blumberg Institute Seminar: Peter Leedman, PhD
Online Event
Details coming soon

Jan. 13 - Blumberg Institute Seminar: Drew Weissman, MD
Online Event
Details coming soon

 Feb. 17 - Blumberg Institute Seminar: Peter Leedman, PhD 
Online Event
Details coming soon
 
Feb. 24 - Blumberg Institute Seminar: Keith Jerome, PhD
Online Event
Details coming soon
 
April 1 - Hepatitis B Foundation Crystal Ball Gala, Warrington, Pa.
In-Person & Online Event
Details coming soon

Learn more about our research and education programs at www.hepb.org
The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide. Our commitment includes funding focused research, promoting disease awareness, supporting immunization and treatment initiatives, and serving as the primary source of information for patients and their families, the medical and scientific community, and the general public.
Hepatitis B Foundation I 3805 Old Easton Road Doylestown, PA 18902 I
215-489-4900 I info@hepb.org