It's Time to Act

Dr Michael Houghton

"It is vital that viral hepatitis receives more funding and attention due to the extreme seriousness and widespread occurrence of the diseases. With the WHO resolution, we have the very real potential to improve millions of lives world-wide with more support for research, drug and vaccine development as well as public health and awareness campaigns. The field of viral hepatitis has advanced considerably in the last 40 years but we still have a long way to go to end this historic scourge of mankind"

- Dr Houghton, the first person to identify the hepatitis C virus

Chris Kennedy Lawford

"Having undergone successful treatment for hepatitis C, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help others better understand this disease. This is why I am proud to participate in the first international World Hepatitis Day on May 19, 2008. I hope my example will lead those who might have been exposed to the hepatitis C virus to get tested and, if necessary, to talk about treatment options with their doctor. Together, we can beat this disease!"

- Actor, author and advocate, Christopher Kennedy Lawford

Charles Gore

“Governments are simply working in the dark and need to do more to ensure chronic viral hepatitis B and C are high up on national and international healthcare agendas.”

- Charles Gore, President, World Hepatitis Alliance

Criston Barker, member of Air Supply

“Hepatitis deserves greater public attention. Having the disease is not a death sentence. It can be managed and in some cases, eliminated altogether.”

Criston Barker, Member of Air Supply

Gordon Roddick

“Hepatitis C has been overlooked for too long. After Anita was diagnosed with hepatitis C she did everything she could to raise awareness about the disease but there just wasn’t enough time. I’m delighted that patient groups from around the world have organised a World Hepatitis Day to highlight this problem to the world. I know that if Anita was here she would be at the forefront of the campaign, whipping up as much support as possible for it.”

Gordon Roddick - Husband of the late Dame Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop and Patron of the Hepatitis C Trust. 

Prof Baruch Blumberg

"Only a small fraction of those who could benefit from anti-viral therapy are being treated. World Hepatitis Day can make the public and governments aware of what can be done and the potential for great improvements in health worldwide.”

Baruch Blumberg, Novel Laureate and co-discoverer of the Hepatitis B virus

Prof Muhammad Yunus

"There is no doubt that the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and C is neglected in many countries across the globe. The number of people living with viral hepatitis is far higher than the prevalence of HIV/AIDS or  any cancer. The importance of improving global health and reducing the threats from diseases around the world is fundamental to economic prosperity and social development."

Muhammad Yunus, Economist and Nobel Laureate