Coalition Against Hepatitis for People of African Origin (CHIPO)
The Coalition Against Hepatitis for People of African Origin (CHIPO) is a community coalition co-founded and led by the Hepatitis B Foundation. We are comprised of organizations and individuals interested in addressing the high rates of hepatitis B infection among African communities around the world. CHIPO serves as a forum for sharing information and best practices and increasing national capacity to improve hepatitis B awareness, testing, vaccination and treatment among highly affected African communities.
People of African origin are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B infection. In fact, in some African communities in the U.S., between 5% and 15% of people have chronic HBV infection. Unfortunately, due to the silent nature of the disease, lack of disease awareness, and limited health care access, most African community members who have hepatitis B DO NOT KNOW that they are infected. This puts them at much greater risk for premature death from cirrhosis or liver cancer.
The key to addressing the high burden of hepatitis B infection in people of African origin is to improve awareness and access to hepatitis B information, screening, vaccination, and follow-up care. CHIPO brings together people from around the world who are working in their own local communities to address these very issues.
Join us for our upcoming webinar!
Addressing the Syndemic: Opportunities for Hepatitis B and Integration: Insights from Nigeria and Uganda
Join us for an enlightening webinar focused on the pressing issue of hepatitis B and its integration into healthcare systems. This session will feature esteemed speakers from Nigeria and Uganda, who will share their unique perspectives and successful strategies in addressing hepatitis B in their communities. As we explore the multifaceted challenges and opportunities associated with hepatitis B, our speakers will highlight innovative approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment within the context of integrated healthcare. By examining real-world examples and best practices from these two countries, we aim to foster dialogue and collaboration among healthcare professionals, policy-makers, and advocates. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, engage in meaningful discussions, and learn how we can collectively enhance our response to hepatitis B on a global scale. Join us as we work towards a healthier future for all!
Register here!
View our Publication! Barriers to Hepatitis B Screening and Prevention for African Immigrant Populations in the United States: A Qualitative Study (2020)
Join CHIPO!
Does your organization serve African populations, or are you a passionate community member? All are welcome at CHIPO's coalition calls! Our next call will take place on Monday November 18th, 2024 at 2pm Eastern Time, where we will be joined by Dr. Nicollate Okoko, Director of Clinical Services and Pediatric Adolescent Technical Lead at Zidkijah Medical Center in Rongo, Migori County, Kenya, who will share about some of the hepatitis B-related work she and her organization have been doing in this setting and context. Email beatrice.zovich@hepb.org if you have questions or are interested in joining!
Connect with us!
Check out our recent webinar!
In honor of Liver Cancer Awareness Month, check out a webinar to hear from a panel of esteemed researchers from across the African continent, who shared insights about the current state of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in their respective countries, main challenges to earlier detection and diagnosis, and ideas for how to overcome these barriers. We had a generative discussion with innovative ideas about how to improve HCC health outcomes across Africa. Watch today!
Watch the webinar here!
CHIPO Call Minutes