WHO Resolution: On Hold For Now But Your Support Still Needed
In response to efforts by the World Hepatitis Alliance and national patient groups, Brazil, supported by China, Oman and Afghanistan, succeeded in adding viral hepatitis to the agenda for the 62nd annual World Health Assembly in May 2009. Brazil then submitted a draft resolution on viral hepatitis.
The Resolution was set to be discussed by Health Ministers from around the world and called for action to improve hepatitis awareness, prevention, treatment and support. It also called for the World Health Organization (WHO) to support a World Hepatitis Day to increase awareness of viral hepatitis and the scale of this global epidemic.
Unfortunately, the 62nd World Health Assembly, due to meet in Geneva from 18-27 May, was shortened to 5 days (18-22nd May) in response to the global efforts required to tackle H1N1 influenza. As a result, discussion of the scheduled resolution on viral hepatitis has been postponed until the WHO Executive Board meeting in 2010.
The World Hepatitis Alliance is continuing its call for action from governments and is asking Ministers not to lose focus of the plight of 500 million people living with hepatitis B & C. The Alliance is asking all patient groups, stakeholders and individuals to maintain the pressure on their governments in the months ahead of the Executive Board meeting. Please write to your Health Minister to ask them to support the need for a robust resolution on viral hepatitis to be established at the Executive Board, and sent for discussion at the 63rd annual World Health Assembly in May 2010.
We have prepared a template letter which you may wish to use. You can also modify it to reflect your particular circumstances / concerns or if you represent a patient organisation. If you do not know the name or contact details of your Minister for Health, please contact us for advice.
One in 12 people worldwide is living with either chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C. By working together we can make a real difference and help ensure that the World Health Assembly recognises viral hepatitis as the public health priority it must be.