[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9151--JULY 25, 2014

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.

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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
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA