Experts from the National Medical Association (NMA) have called for an “aggressive approach” to tackle health disparities in treating the hepatitis C virus (HCV) among African Americans, according to an NMA statement. A consensus panel of top U.S. hepatologists has published a new study titled Hepatitis C: A Crisis in the African American Community. It explores the issues that lead to higher rates of disease and poorer outcomes for hep C in the black community. To address the epidemic, the report recommends increasing awareness, screenings and treatment for hep C; improving HCV prevalence data; providing hepatitis C training to health care providers in minority communities; and including more African Americans in clinical trials for new and better treatments.

To read the statement, click here.