1. Hepatitis B in People of African Origin
An Introduction

2. What is hepatitis B (HBV)?
HBV is a virus that infects the liver and can cause liver damage
It is a “silent infection” so you can be infected for years and not know it
HBV is spread through contact with infected blood, sexual contact, and from mother to child at childbirth
There is a vaccine that can prevent infection
Treatments are available
HBV is diagnosed with a simple blood test
Image from web search

3. Why is hepatitis B important?
Hepatitis B is very common among African immigrants
Most people who are infected are not aware
The disease continues to spread, but it can be prevented and treated

4. What happens with chronic hepatitis B?
Up to 1 in 4 infected individuals can die early from hepatitis B-related liver disease due to:
Scarring of the liver
Primary liver cancer
Liver failure
Not knowing your status puts you at a much greater risk for scarring or liver cancer if you are infected!

5. How can I be tested?
If you or your parents come from Africa, you should ask to be tested
If you don’t have a doctor, visit the website for the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA):
Photo from CDC pamphlet
The HRSA site will help people get into the health system. They will also take people who are uninsured or undocumented.
By knowing your status, you can stay healthy and get treatment if you need it!

6. Local Information and Resources
[Presenter: Add any local or country-of-origin statistics on HBV or viral hepatitis rates]
[Add contact information for any local resources for testing or linkage to care]
Photo from CDC pamphlet
The HRSA site will help people get into the health system. They will also take people who are uninsured or undocumented.
{insert phone number or Website here]

7. For more information, visit www.hepb.org
To request a speaker, contact CHIPO chair chari cohen at (215)