GILEAD SCIENCES, THE COALITION TO ERADICATE VIRAL HEPATITIS IN ASIA PACIFIC (CEVHAP), AND THE WORLD HEPATITIS ALLIANCE (WHA) COLLABORATE TO SUPPORT ELIMINATION OF HEPATITIS BY 2030
Gilead Sciences, in collaboration with the Coalition to Eradicate Viral Hepatitis in Asia (CEVHAP) and the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), has launched the Creating a Healthier Asia video series. Produced on behalf of this partnership by BBC StoryWorks commercial productions, and available on the Creating a Healthier Asia hub, the video series provides
insight into the real-world challenges of living with hepatitis B in Asia from the point of view of the people managing it. Topics covered include misinformation, inaction, delayed diagnosis, and other barriers to receiving care.
Hepatitis B remains an invisible chronic disease, especially for those born before national immunization
programs. More than 50 percent of the estimated 257 million people living with chronic hepatitis B infection lived in Asia Pacific. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests only 10 percent of individuals infected with hepatitis B, are aware that they have it. Furthermore, most people with asymptomatic hepatitis B are often diagnosed only when it has developed into more severe conditions.
“Early diagnosis can be crucial for people living with hepatitis B to live long and happy lives. Raising
awareness of hepatitis is an essential driver for people to come forward for testing and diagnosis,” said
Cary James, CEO, World Hepatitis Alliance,
“Medical advancements have made hepatitis B a treatable
condition. The stories shared in the video series are testament that people living with hepatitis B can lead
a long and fulfilling life. Our collaboration with CEVHAP and Gilead Sciences on this video series cannot come at a better time. I hope that this series will bring the message home to people living with hepatitis B that they are not alone – there is a strong support system for you out there.”
“CEVHAP is delighted to work with like-minded organizations to provide a platform for people living
with hepatitis B to share their personal stories,” said Professor Rosmawati Mohamed, Co-Chair,
CEVHAP “It is our hope that this series can inspire and empower community leaders to help drive hepatitis B elimination in every country. It goes beyond awareness to prevention, community action, and collaboration with healthcare professionals in Asia, to make real strides towards disease elimination and ultimately, eradication.”
Four individuals are featured in this campaign: Min Kyung Yoon (South Korea), Lai Wang Yu (Hong Kong), Chua Cher Joo (Singapore) and Ho Qing Quang (Taiwan). They cover a variety of experiences – ranging from bereavement of family members, surviving liver transplant to multiple cancer diagnoses – shedding light on unique — yet relatable — journeys. They are just some examples of how regular screening, in-depth discussion with clinicians, and persistent medication may detect and deter complications early.
“By focusing on the experience of people living with hepatitis B from Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan and
Singapore, the video series brings to light the possibilities of improving the management of chronic
hepatitis B. Storytelling can bring discussions of hepatitis to the forefront and empower those living with,
or vulnerable to hepatitis B, to step up their own care,” said Caroline Choi, Senior Director, Medical
Affairs Asia 5 of Gilead Sciences.
Five videos, as part of the ‘Creating a Healthier Asia’ video series, will be released on the hub from
November to December 2021.