A message from The Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy

Richard Wolitski, PhD and Corinna Dan, RN, MPH
Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy (OHAIDP), in collaboration with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH), is pleased to announce the launch of a new joint initiative: the Hepatitis C Medicaid Affinity Group.  The Hepatitis C Medicaid Affinity Group aims to increase the number and percentage of Medicaid patients diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection that are successfully treated and cured. Read about this new initiative.            

We also recently held our second webinar on Viral Hepatitis Priority Populations. Close to 250 participants joined us for the second webinar highlighting the specific issues and personal experiences of people who are members of or provide healthcare to the priority populations facing a disproportionate burden of hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C infection. The populations on the webinar included baby boomers, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Alaska Natives, and pregnant women. We received lots of great questions and will be sure to follow up with everyone. Stay tuned for a recap of both priority population webinars as well as future events at www.HHS.gov/hepatitis/blog.

We continue to be concerned about the  outbreaks of hepatitis A occurring throughout the country. California has experienced the most infections but Colorado, Michigan, Arizona, and Utah have also reported outbreaks in 2017. Hepatitis A is vaccine preventable. Use the Vaccine Finder to locate a pharmacy or clinic near you.

We look forward to keeping you updated on all things related to viral hepatitis including webinars, hepatitis news, opportunities to get involved, and more. To stay up-to-date on all things viral hepatitis, be sure to follow us on Twitter at @hhs_ViralHep.

What's New in the Blog

• Women Who Inject Drugs May Be at Greater Risk of Hepatitis C than Men. September 28, 2017. A new study suggests that women who inject drugs have a higher risk of contracting hepatitis C than do men. Learn more.
• When it Comes to Curing Hepatitis C, Your Health Care Provider May Not Need to Be a Specialist. September 20, 2017. A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found no differences in sustained virologic response among patients treated for HCV infection by specialists, primary care physicians, and nurse practitioners. Read more.