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Learning Objective:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
• Understand how federal funding for viral hepatitis programs is determined;
• Learn the role of CDC, health departments, national and community-based organizations in demonstrating need;
• Achieve increased understanding of critical viral hepatitis legislative issues; and
• Learn about current strategies to increase support for viral programs.
Background:
Although viral hepatitis has gained attention in recent years, lack of resources, awareness and political will has limited the implementation of full-scale hepatitis prevention and care programs. In 2001, the Division of Viral Hepatitis (DVH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the “National Hepatitis C Prevention Strategy,” outlining specific strategies to lower the incidence of acute hepatitis C in the United States and reduce the disease burden from chronic HCV infection. Despite the existence of this plan, DVH's budget has been cut over the last four years, and DVH has been unable to provide even a minimal amount of funding for critical viral hepatitis prevention services.
Setting:
United States
Population e.g. API Youth, MSM, IDU:
Persons at risk of or infected with viral hepatitis [types A, B and C]
Project Description:
This presentation will increase knowledge and awareness of viral hepatitis policy and the role participants can play in advancing viral hepatitis initatives. Topics to be discussed include the federal agencies involved in developing viral hepatitis prevention and care programs; federal funding streams for viral hepatitis programs and how resources are included in the federal budget and appropriations process; the current landscape of organizations working on national viral hepatitis policy and advocacy initatives; and the role of advocacy in increasing resources for viral hepatitis programs.
Results/Lessons Learned:
Federal resources for viral hepatitis prevention programs have decreased over the past several years. Acheiving adequate funding for viral hepatiits prevention and care programs will require collaborative efforts and increased advocacy by stakeholders and partners.
See more of B6 - Viral Hepatitis Policy: Challenges and Opportunities
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference