The public's health unprotected: reversing a decade of underutilization of hepatitis B vaccine
Article Abstract:
The U.S. needs to strengthen its commitment to preventive medicine and to vaccines. The government and physicians should lead the effort in protecting public health by backing such programs. Although an effective hepatitis B vaccine exists, it has been underused and there seems to be a complacent attitude about its widespread use. The vaccine can be delivered in a cost-effective manner as illustrated by a British Columbia school-based hepatitis B vaccination program. Hepatitis B is a serious but preventable disease that can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. Diseases with short incubation periods, such as the Ebola virus, command more attention from the public, but slow-moving viruses can pose greater public health dangers. Scientists, politicians, physicians and public health officials should work to stop the transmission of hepatitis B virus and make the public more aware of deadly diseases.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1995
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Toward a comprehensive HIV prevention program for the CDC and the nation
Article Abstract:
Politicians must recognize the value of HIV preventive programs and secure funding for them. They must recognize the link between drug abuse and HIV infection. The government must provide incentives to private drug companies to develop HIV vaccines. There needs to be better coordination and cooperation between the various agencies involved in the disease. The CDC should be the leader in developing HIV prevention programs, and its decisions should be free of political influence. The agency should focus on HIV testing, which should be offered to everyone who comes in contact with the health care system. Those who test positive should be offered lifelong treatment. Schools are the ideal forum for teaching young people about HIV infection. Public health officials need to learn marketing skills to help them sell new behaviors to entire communities at risk of AIDS.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1992
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Advancing HIV Prevention: New Strategies For a Changing Epidemic -- United States, 2003
Article Abstract:
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a new initiative to prevent HIV infection. It is based partly on the Ora-Quick HIV rapid test that can provide results in 20 minutes. The initiative was created when data showed that the incidence of HIV infection is increasing in gay men.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2003
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