[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 147 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 44257-44258]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-18167]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 147 / Thursday, July 31, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 44257]]


                Proclamation 9151 of July 25, 2014

                
World Hepatitis Day, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Around the world, one in twelve people are living with 
                viral hepatitis. In the United States, millions of 
                Americans are infected with this life-threatening 
                disease, with more than two-thirds unaware of their 
                infection status. Viral hepatitis can persist 
                undetected for many years before revealing any 
                symptoms, leading to long-term liver damage and 
                thousands of American deaths each year. As we mark 
                World Hepatitis Day, we strengthen our resolve to 
                defeat this silent epidemic.

                All forms of viral hepatitis pose serious health 
                threats, but building public awareness can help prevent 
                new cases and more effectively treat this disease. A 
                safe and effective vaccine protects against hepatitis A 
                and B. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, early 
                detection and therapy can prevent liver damage, 
                cirrhosis, and liver cancer; reduce the risk of death; 
                and potentially cure the infection.

                Though this disease can affect anyone, viral hepatitis 
                impacts certain communities more than others. African 
                Americans, American Indians, Asian American and Pacific 
                Islanders, the baby boomer generation (those born 
                between 1945 and 1965), and people living with HIV are 
                all disproportionately affected by viral hepatitis. 
                Incidence rates are also higher among people who inject 
                drugs. We must ensure these hardest hit populations 
                have information about screening, preventing, and 
                treating viral hepatitis. And we must do more to 
                address related health issues such as HIV and substance 
                abuse.

                Through the Affordable Care Act, my Administration has 
                made major strides in expanding access to viral 
                hepatitis prevention, care, and treatment. New health 
                plans must now cover hepatitis C routine screening for 
                individuals at high-risk and one-time screening for 
                adults born between 1945 and 1965. These preventive 
                services will allow more Americans to know their status 
                and seek treatment.

                Earlier this year, my Administration updated our 
                Nation's first-ever comprehensive Action Plan for the 
                Prevention, Care, and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis. 
                Alongside Federal, private, and non-profit stakeholders 
                across our country, we will continue to strengthen our 
                Nation's response. Together, we can raise awareness, 
                reduce the number of new cases, and save lives.

                Thanks to the tireless leadership of researchers and 
                advocates, we are beginning to break the silence 
                surrounding viral hepatitis. Today, we once again raise 
                our voices, educate our at-risk communities, and 
                support those living with this disease.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim July 28, 2014, as 
                World Hepatitis Day. I encourage citizens, Government 
                agencies, non-profit organizations, and communities 
                across the Nation to join in activities that will 
                increase awareness about hepatitis and what we can do 
                to prevent it.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fourteen, and of the

[[Page 44258]]

                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and thirty-ninth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2014-18167
Filed 7-30-14; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F4