Aa
SHOCKED by the Politics
What I've learned recently is that HCV has no virtually no funding state side, no research to speak of, none of the billions that went into AIDS/HIV research. Only 2 states have thrown even a bone towards public education etc. (washington state gave 400k, the most, but nothing in terms of the scope and scale needed.) (especially when you understand even one tiny trial costs 2 mil. minimum)
Why?
a. because there is a stigma attached, earned rightly or wrongly.
b. because states and feds learned their lesson on HIV, start funding and it becomes a quagmire so most states are refusing to pass even basic public health education laws on the subject, much less being willing to offer funds for people to be tested, if they WANT to be, etc.
c. most HCV people are fatiqued and depressed due to the disease, and ergo do not speak out as a group. (instead of thousands willing to tesify before our state legislature, as with AIDS, we could not muster 10 articulate people last session.) (instead of millions of emails to congress, they get "dozens only".)
d. many with HCV are actually themselves fighting all legislation, calling themselves "the innocent victims" and ergo, fighting so hard to be distinguished from those who ever "made a mistake" that they would rather see NO new funds/research/laws to deal with this disease, than to see themselves "grouped" with those who took any risks.
So instead of forward motion, we see half the HCV vocalists fighting against their own treatments and/or cures in an effort to maintain their self-righteousness!
I'm summarizing here a 2 hour conversation I had today, but wondering if this is news to anyone besides myself and if others would like more info on how we might politically change the climate to facilitate better research and cures? I have some for those who are interested.
MaryB
Why?
a. because there is a stigma attached, earned rightly or wrongly.
b. because states and feds learned their lesson on HIV, start funding and it becomes a quagmire so most states are refusing to pass even basic public health education laws on the subject, much less being willing to offer funds for people to be tested, if they WANT to be, etc.
c. most HCV people are fatiqued and depressed due to the disease, and ergo do not speak out as a group. (instead of thousands willing to tesify before our state legislature, as with AIDS, we could not muster 10 articulate people last session.) (instead of millions of emails to congress, they get "dozens only".)
d. many with HCV are actually themselves fighting all legislation, calling themselves "the innocent victims" and ergo, fighting so hard to be distinguished from those who ever "made a mistake" that they would rather see NO new funds/research/laws to deal with this disease, than to see themselves "grouped" with those who took any risks.
So instead of forward motion, we see half the HCV vocalists fighting against their own treatments and/or cures in an effort to maintain their self-righteousness!
I'm summarizing here a 2 hour conversation I had today, but wondering if this is news to anyone besides myself and if others would like more info on how we might politically change the climate to facilitate better research and cures? I have some for those who are interested.
MaryB
Wow! That has not been my experience ast all. In factwe are members of the National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council, a group of 25 non-profits who "speak" with one voice, especially on the Hill. We have a bill with bi-partisan support introduced in both the House and the Senate. It's called the Hepatitis C Epidemic and Prevention Act. It is asking for funds to be used on education and services for hepatitis C patients.
While there is always back-backing and some competition for funding, the hep community has worked fairly hard at working together.
I do agree that much more is needed in the way of funding research for this disease. Part of the reason we do not do as well as HIV is that HCV does not hit children the way HIV did when the disease was first discovered. It also does not kill people quickly as AIDS did in the early years.
Write to your Congress people and ask them to support Senate Bill S 521 and HR bill 1290. You can read the bill in it's entirety at the National Hepatitis C Advocacy Site.(www.hepcnetwork.org).
While there is always back-backing and some competition for funding, the hep community has worked fairly hard at working together.
I do agree that much more is needed in the way of funding research for this disease. Part of the reason we do not do as well as HIV is that HCV does not hit children the way HIV did when the disease was first discovered. It also does not kill people quickly as AIDS did in the early years.
Write to your Congress people and ask them to support Senate Bill S 521 and HR bill 1290. You can read the bill in it's entirety at the National Hepatitis C Advocacy Site.(www.hepcnetwork.org).
I agree with your comments. I especially agree with your remark regarding " most are fatigued and depressed due to the disease, and ergo do not speak out as a group".
A close friend of mine has testified in front of commissions in both the US Senate and House of Representatives. I helped lobby the state legislature here on behalf of a fireman who contracted HCV on the job but was refused workmen's cop.The law got changed, which didn't help him directly, but it helps all who will follow. And I got the honor of attending the bill signing ceremony in the governor's office. If you live in or near a large town/city there are usually ways to get involved as much as you want to.I've done speaking tours, educational presentations for health workers, colleges, and museums. And they can always use another envelope stuffer. I've done plenty of that.as well.
Its hard to compare AIDS to HCV. HCV poses no urgency for us as a nation.The transmisson vectors it employs aren't considered efficient, and in less than 15 years the vast majority of those who are currently infected will be representing the last of the boomers pushing through the cycle.The infection rate in the late '80's was 300,000 a year, and in the 90's dropped to 40,000 per year. It's at about 30,000 a year with 70% of that IVDU.These numbers have held for several years now.
Mortality from HCV is 1-3%. Since 1981 1.5 million have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the USA. One out of three are dead, or a half-million people. This is why it does not, and will not, receive as much money as HCV.
When AIDS first grabbed attention in this country it was attacking almost exclusively one community-the gay community. Its not a secret that Hollywood has a higher than avg per capita of gays and many are there working in the entertainment industry. .When you have these contacts and can get celebrities to support your cause as well as an enourmous amount of press, celebrity charity events (Live AID, etc) it can heklp to launch a large awareness program.
Who do we have to represent us on the national stage that people know ? Pam Anderson, Naomi Judd, and David Crosby. And none of them are willing to give it enough to be called spokespersons.
Most of the major trials and studies even when administered by drug comanies or teaching hospitals, receive the bulk of their overall funding from the NIH.
These are the realities and politics of the situation according to my analysis.
The only thing (besides NIH funding) that accounts for so many drugs in the pipeline right now is the desire (re:profit drive) of drug companies to have an approved HCV adjunctive med by the expected peak of known infections appx 2016. The race is on not just for our little peak in the US but the worldwide market as well. For this kind of payoff drug co's are more willing to spend more of their own money on research.
reagrds,
Mr Liver
Its hard to compare AIDS to HCV. HCV poses no urgency for us as a nation.The transmisson vectors it employs aren't considered efficient, and in less than 15 years the vast majority of those who are currently infected will be representing the last of the boomers pushing through the cycle.The infection rate in the late '80's was 300,000 a year, and in the 90's dropped to 40,000 per year. It's at about 30,000 a year with 70% of that IVDU.These numbers have held for several years now.
Mortality from HCV is 1-3%. Since 1981 1.5 million have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in the USA. One out of three are dead, or a half-million people. This is why it does not, and will not, receive as much money as HCV.
When AIDS first grabbed attention in this country it was attacking almost exclusively one community-the gay community. Its not a secret that Hollywood has a higher than avg per capita of gays and many are there working in the entertainment industry. .When you have these contacts and can get celebrities to support your cause as well as an enourmous amount of press, celebrity charity events (Live AID, etc) it can heklp to launch a large awareness program.
Who do we have to represent us on the national stage that people know ? Pam Anderson, Naomi Judd, and David Crosby. And none of them are willing to give it enough to be called spokespersons.
Most of the major trials and studies even when administered by drug comanies or teaching hospitals, receive the bulk of their overall funding from the NIH.
These are the realities and politics of the situation according to my analysis.
The only thing (besides NIH funding) that accounts for so many drugs in the pipeline right now is the desire (re:profit drive) of drug companies to have an approved HCV adjunctive med by the expected peak of known infections appx 2016. The race is on not just for our little peak in the US but the worldwide market as well. For this kind of payoff drug co's are more willing to spend more of their own money on research.
reagrds,
Mr Liver
couple of errors---3rd par. last line should read "This is why it does not, and will not, receive as much money as HIV/AIDS for research funding.".
Mr Liver
Mr Liver
merryBe
Please hear what Susie has to say on this subject. She' has many years experience on this particular subject and many times many 'two hour conversations'.
Mr Liver
In re drug development and why 2015 is a more significant year than 2016
hepcproject.typepad.com/hep_c_project/2004/06/chirons_hepatit.html
Please hear what Susie has to say on this subject. She' has many years experience on this particular subject and many times many 'two hour conversations'.
Mr Liver
In re drug development and why 2015 is a more significant year than 2016
hepcproject.typepad.com/hep_c_project/2004/06/chirons_hepatit.html
Evel Keneivel had the opportunity to speak out about HCV (he had a liver transplant from HCV) but refused because he wouldn't get paid for it.
Merry - I am working on an idea right now with my boss (who is the son of the billionaire founder of the Conair Corporation) on something that might help a little. I can't talk about if yet of course but I too was just dumbfounded at the lack or money/education/help that there is out there for HCV!
Until some bigwigs wife gets it from a nail salon or something like that...it will be treated like the "gay disease" of the 80s I believe. I understand there are not unlimited supplies of money for research etc. but if the jokers on the hill knew how many many of their constituents had this disease but just didn't know it yet - it would be the hot button topic of the election.
But they don't know and right now don't care. It's only people like US who can help get them to.
Until some bigwigs wife gets it from a nail salon or something like that...it will be treated like the "gay disease" of the 80s I believe. I understand there are not unlimited supplies of money for research etc. but if the jokers on the hill knew how many many of their constituents had this disease but just didn't know it yet - it would be the hot button topic of the election.
But they don't know and right now don't care. It's only people like US who can help get them to.
PS Unfortunately since they are never going to institute mandatory type testing for it (or the insurance companies which are run by the government would all go bankrupt) - I don't think it's ever really going to change until one of the great doctors that have made this their lives work comes up with a cure - out of the love of their heart and not for money :) That is my prayer anyway.
Thanks for the reply and article. After reading it I think 2015 may be more significant for the licensees as their profits are going to rise. Pharmaceutical industry remains me of sharecropping in their royalty and licensing structures. I don't think there is another business sector with more hyphenated company names.
That 2016 prediction I mentioned above is due for updating or it has been and I haven't seen it yet. I have heard other 'experts' predict it will be a couple of years later. The amount of infected people will then begin to fall rapidly. The gov't knows this so they aren't going to throw much dough this way. Attrition is a very cost-effective method when it comes to fighting this virus.
regards,
Mr Liver
That 2016 prediction I mentioned above is due for updating or it has been and I haven't seen it yet. I have heard other 'experts' predict it will be a couple of years later. The amount of infected people will then begin to fall rapidly. The gov't knows this so they aren't going to throw much dough this way. Attrition is a very cost-effective method when it comes to fighting this virus.
regards,
Mr Liver
We found it to be very beneficial to team up with the AIDS org here. They have been fundraising for quite some time and are very effective. With so many co-infected it was a natural fit for us to combine resources on certain events.
regards,Mr Liver
regards,Mr Liver
The boomer wave is not the only one, though. As we have seen, there are the young folks getting it, vertical transmissions, medical transmissions and so on. Wasn't it Koop that said this was the next "big thing"?
I realize there is some forward motion at the national level, but still Bush hasn't pushed for the funding, and in fact Texas did approve, fund, and then lost all their funds, including matching fed funds. So there's much to be done.
Here in Oregon the Southern portion of the state has been methedrine central for 30 some years and still is.
The problem seems to be two fold, getting national and state attention.
Unfortunately, in Oregon, one Ted Governor Kitzhaber is running the show---his whole shick is evidence based medicine--- unless there are more proofs in his mind, like for instance, Alagirl and myself were both brutally raped by carriers, unless someone proves to him the the increase in promiscuity, or the increase in tatooing, both HUGE sources of new cases of our young people who will wander around as we did not knowing they've gotten this disease, (not to mention the meth addicts which he does know about but they are expendable in his mind as long as they are kept out of the blood supply.)
Well, in any case, proving to people that there are multiple transmissmision sources, that there are ways this virus might mutate that could become health issue #1, that we need education to counteract all the vampire blood sucking fight club movies that have been given cult status and now attract the young to more violent risky behaviors, or just trying to negotiate the idea of preventative medicine at the forefront, not the latter stages of the disease have all won a place in the hearts of our state congress........but now our Governors mind.
I think as long as he thinks, it's only mexicans or druggies that have this, it's not his problem.
Unfortunately I've even heard people who HAVE this disease spout that negative rhetoric, making it all the harder to get points across. Education is almost nil here.
I'm relieved right now that my daughter just quit her nursing home job to be honest, and it's because I did that work also in my 20's. Both physical therapy and also some hospice care.
Now that I look back on it, I know this was another potential source of exposure as some of the elderly have had many transfusions and failing livers. Ergo cleaning up after them has it's own risks.
In any case, there's still much work to be done, and I'm glad some of you are already involved.
Grin.
actually this doesn't surprised me, I seem to have stubbled into a class act group of people in here!
: ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
One problem I see with the fall off stats is:
a. it doesn't address the huge growth of the disease within our immigrant population,
B.it bases the fall off on the assumtion the boomers are the main real source
C. it fails to consider what will happen if a giant mutational leap occurs, making it either undetectable in the blood supply once again, or more easily transmittable, either of which are within the realm of possibility
D. it fails to recognize this country has played a leadership role due to it's highly educated scientific community in eradicating almost every major disease you can think of, or at very least showing how it can be done. From Polio, to MAlaria, AIDS and everything in betweeen, we have mede progress that really only we were in a position to make, to invest in. So whether we are the largest population or the smallest, speaking worldwide proportions, should not keep us from becoming our brother's keepers and using our genius for the purposes it was created for!
BTW, according to my doctor, considered pretty priemer in the field, to quote "On NO, we are not expecting a drop off, we are expecting an epidemic.".....for what that's worth.
Here in Oregon the Southern portion of the state has been methedrine central for 30 some years and still is.
The problem seems to be two fold, getting national and state attention.
Unfortunately, in Oregon, one Ted Governor Kitzhaber is running the show---his whole shick is evidence based medicine--- unless there are more proofs in his mind, like for instance, Alagirl and myself were both brutally raped by carriers, unless someone proves to him the the increase in promiscuity, or the increase in tatooing, both HUGE sources of new cases of our young people who will wander around as we did not knowing they've gotten this disease, (not to mention the meth addicts which he does know about but they are expendable in his mind as long as they are kept out of the blood supply.)
Well, in any case, proving to people that there are multiple transmissmision sources, that there are ways this virus might mutate that could become health issue #1, that we need education to counteract all the vampire blood sucking fight club movies that have been given cult status and now attract the young to more violent risky behaviors, or just trying to negotiate the idea of preventative medicine at the forefront, not the latter stages of the disease have all won a place in the hearts of our state congress........but now our Governors mind.
I think as long as he thinks, it's only mexicans or druggies that have this, it's not his problem.
Unfortunately I've even heard people who HAVE this disease spout that negative rhetoric, making it all the harder to get points across. Education is almost nil here.
I'm relieved right now that my daughter just quit her nursing home job to be honest, and it's because I did that work also in my 20's. Both physical therapy and also some hospice care.
Now that I look back on it, I know this was another potential source of exposure as some of the elderly have had many transfusions and failing livers. Ergo cleaning up after them has it's own risks.
In any case, there's still much work to be done, and I'm glad some of you are already involved.
Grin.
actually this doesn't surprised me, I seem to have stubbled into a class act group of people in here!
: ))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
One problem I see with the fall off stats is:
a. it doesn't address the huge growth of the disease within our immigrant population,
B.it bases the fall off on the assumtion the boomers are the main real source
C. it fails to consider what will happen if a giant mutational leap occurs, making it either undetectable in the blood supply once again, or more easily transmittable, either of which are within the realm of possibility
D. it fails to recognize this country has played a leadership role due to it's highly educated scientific community in eradicating almost every major disease you can think of, or at very least showing how it can be done. From Polio, to MAlaria, AIDS and everything in betweeen, we have mede progress that really only we were in a position to make, to invest in. So whether we are the largest population or the smallest, speaking worldwide proportions, should not keep us from becoming our brother's keepers and using our genius for the purposes it was created for!
BTW, according to my doctor, considered pretty priemer in the field, to quote "On NO, we are not expecting a drop off, we are expecting an epidemic.".....for what that's worth.
This is why its called the silent epidemic.
I was in SF during the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. The gay community organized. They had creative, media savvy people with money who were dedicated to getting the word out.
HCV is insidious. I've seen ads for free testing showing down and out, dishelved men or women who look like prostitutes. Why don't these 'ads' simply list possible symptoms then say anyone with them should get tested? Instead they perpetuate the stereotypes.
I was in SF during the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. The gay community organized. They had creative, media savvy people with money who were dedicated to getting the word out.
HCV is insidious. I've seen ads for free testing showing down and out, dishelved men or women who look like prostitutes. Why don't these 'ads' simply list possible symptoms then say anyone with them should get tested? Instead they perpetuate the stereotypes.
I don't know why anyone would be 'SHOCKED' at what goes on via health care in this country.
It's all pretty blatent.
wyntre
It's all pretty blatent.
wyntre
think as long as he thinks, it's only mexicans or druggies that have this, it's not his problem
Yup - as long as its the people in prison and mexicans and druggies - we (meaning because "we" all got it that way) are therefore expendable. One of those "hey let it kill them off then it's no longer our problem" deals. I truly believe a lot of older republicans in office think that way.
The epidemic is already at plague proportions..........but bigots can't see farther than their own back yard and that is indeed what men like that are. Plus we have a president that would rather funnel billions and billions into a search for WMDs and Osama Bin Laden rather than take care of OUR OWN.
Yup - as long as its the people in prison and mexicans and druggies - we (meaning because "we" all got it that way) are therefore expendable. One of those "hey let it kill them off then it's no longer our problem" deals. I truly believe a lot of older republicans in office think that way.
The epidemic is already at plague proportions..........but bigots can't see farther than their own back yard and that is indeed what men like that are. Plus we have a president that would rather funnel billions and billions into a search for WMDs and Osama Bin Laden rather than take care of OUR OWN.
Ain't it the truth. Why take care of people, infrastructure, education, the environment or the quality of life for us when the president can spend our tax money chasing mid-east fantasies.
There's support on both sides of the isle here, vast support..... everyone, except for our Democrat Govenor, so your logic doesn't hold water here,
His evidence based medicine theology is basically the equivalence of saying, well, we can see here that Iron Lungs work for polio victims, so let's not work on a vaccine when we already have a system in place. Except that in this case it is worse still, because there really is no system!
Being repuplican sweetie, doesn't mean people do not care, that's a stereotype that one party wants you to fall for as well. You would balk if someone suggested your political affiliation proved you did not care...am I right here? So why do that? Regardless of affiliation, it's the actions that speak loudest, as in the one aformentioned.
The thing to keep in mind nygirl, is that drug company research has as one of it's goals profitable drug therapies, understandably; they are able to continue forward motion BY being able to reap some benefit for their labors. (although the government has limited them to a 7 year patent window....
which gives them very little time to recoup their research investments which are enourmous.
(I doubt you would like it, if say you built up a business on a formula, and just as it started doing really well, Uncle Sam said to you "now you must give it away", yet that is what drug companies must deal with.)
OK, so let's move past there being one or two culprits to blame all the world's wrong on.
Realizing of course, this is the reason that private AND public funds are needed as well, to further the research that may lead to more restorative, albeit less profitable, alternatives.
HR has mentioned many such substances, and there are vast pools of yet untouched avenues we could explore in any medical endeavor that go wanting strictly because of funding, not because they have no promise or basis in scientifically sound premises.
Every time a disease gets the kind of funding and attention it needs it does need, it is BECAUSE those who have the disease speak out and become involved in the educational process. Neither cancer, nor diebetes, nor AIDS, nor any other disease you can think of would have made the progress they have without the involvment of those who can speak..... speaking, and bringing influences into the public arena.
In order to do so, a group has to band together, not fight amongst themselves.
Every disease becomes much more fundable once this happens, and once the realization of how common a problem is becoming, and ergo how likely one is to be exposed, also become part of the educational process.
No matter what side of the isle a legislator is on, once people realize "this could be me or my family next"...things will begin to change at a rapid rate. Absent this, a very different spiral is indeed possible.
Because no one listened in time, there are now African countries with 70% HIV positive status.
Let that sink in for a moment. Those countries were and are predominately heterosexual, and yet that virus has basically infected 3/4 of some countries.
Here's one example of how retro virus's to not always "behave" nor are they spread only via the ways initiatially suspected.
No one is listening to the HCV argument right now is the point here; I'm told, chiefly because they think that it will bankrupt the entire system to treat people....but what do they think will happen if they do nothing? Some better outcome?? Think again!
Answer: some think if they ignor this it will go away....not cost us money, and not grow worse.
In the case of Aids this have proved to be totally false, and because of funding people can now be maintained for 20-30 productive years before succoumbing to the disease.
However at the rate HCV is being funded no such outcome is ever likely to be the case.
More importantly, this will not happen with HCV if lawmakers say...".oh no....we can't get involved in what is an even more widespread, more serious problem....as if doing nothing will just make the whole thing evaporate or go away.
We once thought ignorring the Nazi's would make them go away, and the little buggers just kept multiplying.....do not expect apathy, stagnation, or denial to ever solve any problem, either on the world or the health stage.
My opinion only:
Let's not let polical ideologies and or finger pointing as to who does or doesn't care get in the way of educating all towards funding, which is the most important contributions we can make towards mankind, to help those we have placed in power focus on the things that aide in life(inclusive of health), liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
MAry
His evidence based medicine theology is basically the equivalence of saying, well, we can see here that Iron Lungs work for polio victims, so let's not work on a vaccine when we already have a system in place. Except that in this case it is worse still, because there really is no system!
Being repuplican sweetie, doesn't mean people do not care, that's a stereotype that one party wants you to fall for as well. You would balk if someone suggested your political affiliation proved you did not care...am I right here? So why do that? Regardless of affiliation, it's the actions that speak loudest, as in the one aformentioned.
The thing to keep in mind nygirl, is that drug company research has as one of it's goals profitable drug therapies, understandably; they are able to continue forward motion BY being able to reap some benefit for their labors. (although the government has limited them to a 7 year patent window....
which gives them very little time to recoup their research investments which are enourmous.
(I doubt you would like it, if say you built up a business on a formula, and just as it started doing really well, Uncle Sam said to you "now you must give it away", yet that is what drug companies must deal with.)
OK, so let's move past there being one or two culprits to blame all the world's wrong on.
Realizing of course, this is the reason that private AND public funds are needed as well, to further the research that may lead to more restorative, albeit less profitable, alternatives.
HR has mentioned many such substances, and there are vast pools of yet untouched avenues we could explore in any medical endeavor that go wanting strictly because of funding, not because they have no promise or basis in scientifically sound premises.
Every time a disease gets the kind of funding and attention it needs it does need, it is BECAUSE those who have the disease speak out and become involved in the educational process. Neither cancer, nor diebetes, nor AIDS, nor any other disease you can think of would have made the progress they have without the involvment of those who can speak..... speaking, and bringing influences into the public arena.
In order to do so, a group has to band together, not fight amongst themselves.
Every disease becomes much more fundable once this happens, and once the realization of how common a problem is becoming, and ergo how likely one is to be exposed, also become part of the educational process.
No matter what side of the isle a legislator is on, once people realize "this could be me or my family next"...things will begin to change at a rapid rate. Absent this, a very different spiral is indeed possible.
Because no one listened in time, there are now African countries with 70% HIV positive status.
Let that sink in for a moment. Those countries were and are predominately heterosexual, and yet that virus has basically infected 3/4 of some countries.
Here's one example of how retro virus's to not always "behave" nor are they spread only via the ways initiatially suspected.
No one is listening to the HCV argument right now is the point here; I'm told, chiefly because they think that it will bankrupt the entire system to treat people....but what do they think will happen if they do nothing? Some better outcome?? Think again!
Answer: some think if they ignor this it will go away....not cost us money, and not grow worse.
In the case of Aids this have proved to be totally false, and because of funding people can now be maintained for 20-30 productive years before succoumbing to the disease.
However at the rate HCV is being funded no such outcome is ever likely to be the case.
More importantly, this will not happen with HCV if lawmakers say...".oh no....we can't get involved in what is an even more widespread, more serious problem....as if doing nothing will just make the whole thing evaporate or go away.
We once thought ignorring the Nazi's would make them go away, and the little buggers just kept multiplying.....do not expect apathy, stagnation, or denial to ever solve any problem, either on the world or the health stage.
My opinion only:
Let's not let polical ideologies and or finger pointing as to who does or doesn't care get in the way of educating all towards funding, which is the most important contributions we can make towards mankind, to help those we have placed in power focus on the things that aide in life(inclusive of health), liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
MAry
this is just a thought how about we vote someone into office that will not fight against stem cell research and turn there heads at the thought of helping someone who that person thinks probably deserves ( in there minds anyway ) the hepc because of there lifestyles, aka hiv labeling!
the hiv people had to deal with this issues in reagans era being labeled and until it starting attacking the hetero persons did anything get done.
from what i see is a lot of non-education about hepc and as as stated in this thread until people get this virus hepc from the nail salon or swimming pool,a cats scratch or a birds claw or possibly an uncleaned toilet seat then not alot is going to be done on the political side of things.
no the us is going to sit back and let the drug companies do all the work, because the "beloved" george bush has a bigger agenda on his plate "WAR".
ok i am done ranting.
everyone have a Merry Christmas and a great 2008. :O)
the hiv people had to deal with this issues in reagans era being labeled and until it starting attacking the hetero persons did anything get done.
from what i see is a lot of non-education about hepc and as as stated in this thread until people get this virus hepc from the nail salon or swimming pool,a cats scratch or a birds claw or possibly an uncleaned toilet seat then not alot is going to be done on the political side of things.
no the us is going to sit back and let the drug companies do all the work, because the "beloved" george bush has a bigger agenda on his plate "WAR".
ok i am done ranting.
everyone have a Merry Christmas and a great 2008. :O)
because someone stood for not sacrificing infants for adults we now have stem cells from both skin and adennoids showing more promise than fetal stems ever showed, and with no loss of life to harvest them.
I guess it's how you view the glass, half empty or half full.
I'm for celebrating the life that came at Christmas, and every birthday of every little one of us!
merry Christmas indeed!!
I guess it's how you view the glass, half empty or half full.
I'm for celebrating the life that came at Christmas, and every birthday of every little one of us!
merry Christmas indeed!!
Here is an excellent example of what's going on....
A country so small, with no widespread testing...and yet.....if this doesn't wake us up what will.
7.5 million hepatitis C patients in Pakistan
By Muhammad Qasim
12/17/2007
http://www.thenews.com.pk
There are 7.5 million patients of hepatitis C in Pakistan and the number is still on the rise, said consultant herpetologist at Holy Family Hospital Dr. Mohammad Umar while speaking on topical issues of hepatitis on the second day of a scientific conference here.
The Rawalpindi Medical College (RMC) organised a scientific conference on 'Research - A Tool for Development in the 21st Century' on December 14-15. The scientific programme of the conference concluded on Saturday evening. The scientific programme was followed by a general body meeting of Rawalians (Association of Old and Current Graduates of Rawalpindi Medical College), which was largely attended.
Dr. Mohammad Umar said that the hepatitis C treatment is carried out by Interferon and Ribavirin, but it can now be cured by Pegylated Interferon (a newer treatment). The Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology has been formulating guidelines for the treatment of hepatitis C which are internationally approved.
Dr. Bushra Khar said that about six million people are infected with hepatitis B in Pakistan. "The treatment is now easily available with newer drugs orally and every patient may not need interferon injections in chronic hepatitis B," she said. She stressed on the need for hepatitis B vaccination, particularly in children.
In another component of medicine and allied session, the Gastrointestinal Diseases Video Forum, which was the latest way of documenting and showing and teaching GI and liver diseases and their latest therapy, was utilised to elaborate the topic.
On the second day of the conference, five parallel sessions on surgical and allied techniques, medical and allied techniques, reproductive health, ophthalmology and mental health were held.
Professor Dr. Nusrat Ara presented a talk on 'Latest Trends in Management of Chronic Congestive Cardiac Failure' and Dr. Imran Saeed on 'Latest Trends in treatment of Hypertension.' Dr. Iqbal Rehmatullah from Saudia Arabia talked about the latest trends in management of acute myocardial infarction.
Professor Hamid Hassan coordinated the surgical and allied session wherein major areas related to breast cancer were covered. Two distinguished Rawalians from UK presented their work in this session.
Professor Asma Usmani coordinated the session on gynaecology. Prominent gynaecologists, including Professor Rizwan Chaudhry, Professor Fehmida Shaheen and Dr. Shaugfta Sial delivered lectures in this session.
The opthalmology session was coordinated by Professsor Syed Imtiaz Ali.
University of Health Sciences (Lahore) Vice Chancellor Professor Mubashir chaired the session on mental health that was co-chaired by Professor Fareed Minhas of RMC.
The conference concluded with the general body meeting of Rawalians that was attended by Rawalpindi Medical College Alumni Association of Physicians in North America President Dr. Shahid Rafiq and Dr. Asif Zia from the UK Alumni. Dr. Imran Majeed from UAE and Dr. Ibrar from Australia were also present on the occasion.
Professor Muhammad Umar (president of the Rawalians) chaired the meeting wherein new office-bearers were elected. Dr. Saqib Abbasi was elected as president of the Rawalians. Vice presidents are Dr. Irfan Syed, Dr. Rizwana Chaudhry, Dr. Khalid Saeed and Dr. Riaz Sheikh. Dr. Shehzad Ahmed would continue as general secretary. Professor Bushra Khar was elected as chairman of the Medical Education Committee and Professor Fareed Minhas co-chairman. Dr. Nadeem Afraz was elected as international coordinator while Dr. Sarwar Jehangir, Dr. Mairaj and Dr. Shazia as joint secretaries. Professor Muhammad Umar will be the patron while Professor Mussadiq Khan will be patron-in-chief.
A country so small, with no widespread testing...and yet.....if this doesn't wake us up what will.
7.5 million hepatitis C patients in Pakistan
By Muhammad Qasim
12/17/2007
http://www.thenews.com.pk
There are 7.5 million patients of hepatitis C in Pakistan and the number is still on the rise, said consultant herpetologist at Holy Family Hospital Dr. Mohammad Umar while speaking on topical issues of hepatitis on the second day of a scientific conference here.
The Rawalpindi Medical College (RMC) organised a scientific conference on 'Research - A Tool for Development in the 21st Century' on December 14-15. The scientific programme of the conference concluded on Saturday evening. The scientific programme was followed by a general body meeting of Rawalians (Association of Old and Current Graduates of Rawalpindi Medical College), which was largely attended.
Dr. Mohammad Umar said that the hepatitis C treatment is carried out by Interferon and Ribavirin, but it can now be cured by Pegylated Interferon (a newer treatment). The Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology has been formulating guidelines for the treatment of hepatitis C which are internationally approved.
Dr. Bushra Khar said that about six million people are infected with hepatitis B in Pakistan. "The treatment is now easily available with newer drugs orally and every patient may not need interferon injections in chronic hepatitis B," she said. She stressed on the need for hepatitis B vaccination, particularly in children.
In another component of medicine and allied session, the Gastrointestinal Diseases Video Forum, which was the latest way of documenting and showing and teaching GI and liver diseases and their latest therapy, was utilised to elaborate the topic.
On the second day of the conference, five parallel sessions on surgical and allied techniques, medical and allied techniques, reproductive health, ophthalmology and mental health were held.
Professor Dr. Nusrat Ara presented a talk on 'Latest Trends in Management of Chronic Congestive Cardiac Failure' and Dr. Imran Saeed on 'Latest Trends in treatment of Hypertension.' Dr. Iqbal Rehmatullah from Saudia Arabia talked about the latest trends in management of acute myocardial infarction.
Professor Hamid Hassan coordinated the surgical and allied session wherein major areas related to breast cancer were covered. Two distinguished Rawalians from UK presented their work in this session.
Professor Asma Usmani coordinated the session on gynaecology. Prominent gynaecologists, including Professor Rizwan Chaudhry, Professor Fehmida Shaheen and Dr. Shaugfta Sial delivered lectures in this session.
The opthalmology session was coordinated by Professsor Syed Imtiaz Ali.
University of Health Sciences (Lahore) Vice Chancellor Professor Mubashir chaired the session on mental health that was co-chaired by Professor Fareed Minhas of RMC.
The conference concluded with the general body meeting of Rawalians that was attended by Rawalpindi Medical College Alumni Association of Physicians in North America President Dr. Shahid Rafiq and Dr. Asif Zia from the UK Alumni. Dr. Imran Majeed from UAE and Dr. Ibrar from Australia were also present on the occasion.
Professor Muhammad Umar (president of the Rawalians) chaired the meeting wherein new office-bearers were elected. Dr. Saqib Abbasi was elected as president of the Rawalians. Vice presidents are Dr. Irfan Syed, Dr. Rizwana Chaudhry, Dr. Khalid Saeed and Dr. Riaz Sheikh. Dr. Shehzad Ahmed would continue as general secretary. Professor Bushra Khar was elected as chairman of the Medical Education Committee and Professor Fareed Minhas co-chairman. Dr. Nadeem Afraz was elected as international coordinator while Dr. Sarwar Jehangir, Dr. Mairaj and Dr. Shazia as joint secretaries. Professor Muhammad Umar will be the patron while Professor Mussadiq Khan will be patron-in-chief.
"On NO, we are not expecting a drop off, we are expecting an epidemic.".....for what that's worth."
The number of known infections will RISE until APPX 2016 (then it will begin a slow decline as those patients are cured or they die off. The development of new drugs and the continued testing of our blood supply in the US will further help to reduce new infections. The worldwide picture is different from that in the USA. Hepatitis awareness programs never get enough funding--but as long as the makers of the drugs have it in their best interest to discover those who are infected we will continue to get grants to promote awareness as much as possible.
B.it bases the fall off on the assumtion the boomers are the main real source
That's because in the USA, this is by far largest subset of our population that is infected by HCV. The drop off in numbers of known infections
is primarily the result of screening our blood supply for HCV starting in 1989-90. It just so happens that the largest amount of infected people have come from the 60-'s and 70's when experimental IV drug use was not uncommon. This rise during this time correlated to this fact, but mostly it was the the lack of testing available until then. Once the walking blood supply is tainted stockpiles of bad blood will grow exponentially. It becomes a problem fast and can reach epic proportions if left unchecked. The boomers account for the majority of infections in the US. As was pointed out, in the USA NEW infections went from 300,000 to 30,00 avg today.
"Because the peak of HCV infection occurred during the 1970s-80s, the rate of patients presenting with HCV associated complications is expected to increase dramatically over the next 10? years. In fact, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) projects a four-fold increase in the number of those infected for 20 years with CHC from 750,000 to 3 million individuals from 1990-2015. Studies also suggest liver related mortality due to HCV will increase 180% in this timeframe, with HCV related direct medical costs estimated to reach $10.7billion by 2019. Clearly, better therapies for HCV eradication or those that can regress or stabilize liver disease are desperately needed."
http://www.bioscreening.net/2005/09/27/datamonitor-1-million-hep-c-patients-could-respond-to-therapy-by-2014/
regards,
Mr Liver
The number of known infections will RISE until APPX 2016 (then it will begin a slow decline as those patients are cured or they die off. The development of new drugs and the continued testing of our blood supply in the US will further help to reduce new infections. The worldwide picture is different from that in the USA. Hepatitis awareness programs never get enough funding--but as long as the makers of the drugs have it in their best interest to discover those who are infected we will continue to get grants to promote awareness as much as possible.
B.it bases the fall off on the assumtion the boomers are the main real source
That's because in the USA, this is by far largest subset of our population that is infected by HCV. The drop off in numbers of known infections
is primarily the result of screening our blood supply for HCV starting in 1989-90. It just so happens that the largest amount of infected people have come from the 60-'s and 70's when experimental IV drug use was not uncommon. This rise during this time correlated to this fact, but mostly it was the the lack of testing available until then. Once the walking blood supply is tainted stockpiles of bad blood will grow exponentially. It becomes a problem fast and can reach epic proportions if left unchecked. The boomers account for the majority of infections in the US. As was pointed out, in the USA NEW infections went from 300,000 to 30,00 avg today.
"Because the peak of HCV infection occurred during the 1970s-80s, the rate of patients presenting with HCV associated complications is expected to increase dramatically over the next 10? years. In fact, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) projects a four-fold increase in the number of those infected for 20 years with CHC from 750,000 to 3 million individuals from 1990-2015. Studies also suggest liver related mortality due to HCV will increase 180% in this timeframe, with HCV related direct medical costs estimated to reach $10.7billion by 2019. Clearly, better therapies for HCV eradication or those that can regress or stabilize liver disease are desperately needed."
http://www.bioscreening.net/2005/09/27/datamonitor-1-million-hep-c-patients-could-respond-to-therapy-by-2014/
regards,
Mr Liver
OK, so, what's your take on the Pakistan stats. How did a nation of supposedly religious muslims get it? Are they all needle experimenters? I mean, I know opium is smoked there, but the country was hardly Haight-Ashbury.
They know they are 5% infected based on 150 mil. population, but that's without national screening,
so they could be 20% infected, who knows.
I wonder what would happen in the US if we knew one in 5 would get this...would we still be assuming the "boomer source". What happens is they discover any promiscuity can and has been the culprit?
I'm not buying that everybody is being honest that goes in to treat. Some are just too ashamed to lay thier lives out.
One thing in the clinic class they said was "we think some people had to have gotten it from sharing a straw or dollar bill to snort cocaine, as it was their only known source."
OK, so let's get real, AFTER they snorted the cocaine they did what for the rest of the night??
And just how "frisky" were they??
When you stop to think, how many times do people inadvertantly bleed, or touch a surface where someone has recently that wasn't disinfected.....you start to get that the predictives may or may not be accurate.
Certainly the blood supply being cleaned up will help things. Yet I'm having trouble understanding higher rates than ours in countries where transfusions were rare, and hypodermics were never a cultural movement. There have to be more HCV source events going on than we are being told of.
just my opinion, of course.
They know they are 5% infected based on 150 mil. population, but that's without national screening,
so they could be 20% infected, who knows.
I wonder what would happen in the US if we knew one in 5 would get this...would we still be assuming the "boomer source". What happens is they discover any promiscuity can and has been the culprit?
I'm not buying that everybody is being honest that goes in to treat. Some are just too ashamed to lay thier lives out.
One thing in the clinic class they said was "we think some people had to have gotten it from sharing a straw or dollar bill to snort cocaine, as it was their only known source."
OK, so let's get real, AFTER they snorted the cocaine they did what for the rest of the night??
And just how "frisky" were they??
When you stop to think, how many times do people inadvertantly bleed, or touch a surface where someone has recently that wasn't disinfected.....you start to get that the predictives may or may not be accurate.
Certainly the blood supply being cleaned up will help things. Yet I'm having trouble understanding higher rates than ours in countries where transfusions were rare, and hypodermics were never a cultural movement. There have to be more HCV source events going on than we are being told of.
just my opinion, of course.
i think that unless there is a pre-emptive strike on hepc the stats i have read are going to continue and the disease gets worse. i see that there is a vaccine for hep a&b. hopefully at some time in the very near future such a vaccine would be available for hepc and the issues stated in here would be mute. obviously tx is available, and resarch, and studies, and even educating the public is not steming this disease. you would think that with the science we have available today a lot more could be done for hepc suferes.
p.s. sorry merry did not want to get into the voliale issue of stem cell. thats what happens sometimes when i get on a rant brain fog induced haze :O)
Merry Christmas.
p.s. sorry merry did not want to get into the voliale issue of stem cell. thats what happens sometimes when i get on a rant brain fog induced haze :O)
Merry Christmas.
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