[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8845--JULY 27, 2012

Proclamation 8845 of July 27, 2012

World Hepatitis Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Worldwide, one in twelve people is living with viral hepatitis--a
disease that threatens the health of millions of Americans and people
across the globe. As a leading cause of liver cancer in the United
States, it remains a major public health challenge here at home. Because
the disease can persist for decades without symptoms, many Americans who
are chronically infected are unaware of their infection status. On World
Hepatitis Day, we call attention to this silent epidemic, and we
rededicate ourselves to the fight against viral hepatitis.
Hepatitis prevention and control begins with awareness. Though all types
of viral hepatitis are associated with serious health issues, hepatitis
B and C can become chronic infections that often lead to liver cirrhosis
or liver cancer. Tragically, complications resulting from viral
hepatitis claim thousands of American lives every year--a burden borne
disproportionately by African American, Hispanic, and Asian American and
Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, and by persons born between 1945
and 1965. Despite the health issues associated with the disease, a
majority of Americans living with chronic hepatitis do not know they are
infected.
Hepatitis A and B can be prevented with vaccines, which are recommended
for all children--and for adults who are at high risk of contracting
viral hepatitis. While no vaccine exists for hepatitis C, early
detection and treatment can curb transmission, limit the disease's
progression, and prevent life-threatening complications, including liver
cancer. I encourage all Americans to talk with a physician about
hepatitis prevention to learn more about what they can do to stay
healthy.
My Administration remains committed to addressing viral hepatitis. As
part of our Action Plan for the Prevention, Care, and Treatment of Viral
Hepatitis; the Healthy People 2020 initiative; and other Federal
programs, agencies across the Federal Government are partnering with
States, communities, and stakeholders throughout the private and
nonprofit sectors to prevent new cases of hepatitis and help Americans
who have already been affected. We are promoting hepatitis outreach and
education that shines a light on this public health issue. With the
White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, we are
working to prevent, treat, and control hepatitis B infections in AAPI
communities. And by bringing health insurance within reach for more
Americans, the Affordable Care Act is helping improve patient access to
comprehensive viral hepatitis prevention and treatment services.


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On World Hepatitis Day, let us raise awareness of the global health
threat of viral hepatitis, renew our support for those living with the
disease, and recommit to a future free of this tragic illness.
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, 2012, as
World Hepatitis Day. I encourage citizens, Government agencies,
nonprofit 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-seventh day
of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA