NVHR Strategic Plan Feedback

Comments

Overall, I think it is well done and well written. As a woman with Hep B, who meets none of the high risk factors, I would like to see more emphasis on education and immunization for all adults, particularly anyone who is single and sexually active. The manner in which high risk persons are defined means a lot of us, who don't meet that criteria, are unaware of the risk, and physicians never mention the possibility of immunization to us. It's a wonderful plan. Very comprehensive. Perhaps it will serve to unite the splintering groups around the issue.

Outstanding, great job.

Thanks for your hard work.

There is an adage in Washington attributed to a mythical Congressman about reports that goes something like: 'I can either read it or do something about it, I don't have time for both. Full reports are hardly ever read which makes the Executive Summary your best hope in conveying your message. But, it's got to be relatively short, very readable, and to the point. Most aren't. This one was. I suspect it was written by someone who hasn't been involved in earlier versions. Whomever it was, kudos to him or her for a good job. The document may now be a useful tool.
– Mike White

This well written support should be an asset to all who are involved in the prevention, detection, and control of viral hepatitis. The quality of the writing of the executive summary is striking which should help that document find a receptive audience which might even read it all. However, it must be noted that those afflicted with chronic hepatitis B were largely overlooked in the report, particularly Asian residents in the U.S. who suffer such a disproportionate burden related to that disease. I think there is merit in looking at viral hepatitis in two ways -- vaccine preventable hepatitis and chronic hepatitis, with B and C being accorded similar priorities.

Here is a thought regarding the NVHR Exec Summary.. The subheader: “HCV is treatable”; I think there is another, "HBV is preventable" HBV is preventable by vaccine- true. It is also treatable. It would be nice to balance the statement about HCV being treatable with a similar line about HBV. HBV is “treatable” to an extent similar to that of HCV. However, it should immediately be made clear that as many as half (or greater than half) of all people who should be treated for HBV and HCV infections (based on even conservative treatment guidelines) are resistant to treatment (the interventions are unsuccessful. It is important that people know that there are “medications” for HBV (and of their limitations), since this now establishes a very good reason for people to know if they are infected (something might be able to be done). By the way, HCV treatment is very sensitive to genotype, despite progress with pegylated interferons. Most Americans are infected with the most treatment refractory HCV genotype.

The American Liver Foundation is very excited to be a part of the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable.

Statements of Support

Congratulations to NVHR and all who worked on the plan this is an important strategy to move forward. Tim Block, HBF President

Hepatitis Magazine (Hepatitis Support Association) stands behind the NVHR Strategic Plan to Eliminate Viral Hepatitis.

American Liver Foundation feels that working with other members of the viral hepatitis community to speak in a unified voice is critical to making progress on this issue.

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