The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released the National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2017-2020 (Action Plan). The updated Action Plan represents a new phase and is the nation’s roadmap for addressing viral hepatitis in the United States. It reflects recent trends in viral hepatitis infections and deaths, as well as new and improved strategies for prevention, care, and treatment.
The updated plan outlines four major goals, strategies to achieve those goals, and indicators to help track progress between now and 2020. The Action Plan was developed collaboratively by 23 federal partners from the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Veterans Affairs, and HHS with input from nonfederal stakeholders from a variety of sectors. The goals are to:
- Goal 1: Prevent new viral hepatitis infections
- Goal 2: Reduce deaths and improve the health of people living with viral hepatitis
- Goal 3: Reduce viral hepatitis health disparities
- Goal 4: Coordinate, monitor, and report on implementation of viral hepatitis activities
The Action Plan is a national plan, not just a federal plan. It recognizes that success cannot be achieved by federal action alone—it requires the support and commitment of a broad mix of stakeholders from various sectors, both public and private. The Action Plan’s goals and strategies are intended to guide individuals and organizations from all sectors of society to strengthen our collective national response to hepatitis B and C viruses. Read the plan now.
