SHARE

AsianScientist (Jul. 30, 2012) – The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation has awarded four new grants totaling US$1.69 million for hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) research in China and India as part of its Delivering Hope program.

The grants, announced to coincide with World Hepatitis Day on July 28, support initiatives to empower hepatitis patients to take an active role in disease management and advocacy.

China and India together have an estimated 123 million people chronically infected with HBV and 59 million people chronically infected with HCV, accounting for almost 50 percent of all HBV and HCV infections worldwide.

The Foundation’s support initially focused on preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B and promoting hepatitis B immunization in China.

In 2006, the Foundation expanded those efforts to provide broader support for hepatitis B and C awareness, prevention and education, including the adoption of hepatitis B and C interventions and education in public health programs.

The four recipients of the new grants are the China Foundation for Hepatitis Prevention and Control, the HOPE Initiative, the Liver Foundation West Bengal, and a coalition that includes the United Way of Mumbai, the National Liver Foundation, and AmeriCares India.

“Over the past decade, our focus has evolved from building infrastructure and educating lay health care workers to empowering patients to advocate for improved education, support and services,” said John Damonti, president, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation.

Since 2002, Delivering Hope has invested and initiated 38 program grants across Asia totaling more than US$9.7 million, specifically 16 grants in mainland China, three in Taiwan, 15 in India, and four in Japan.

——

Source: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Photo: AmeriCares India.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.