Dear [insert health minister or government official name],   

My name is [insert name] and I am writing with the support of the World Hepatitis Alliance. I am reaching out to urge you to support the first World Hepatitis Testing Week, starting 18 November.  

More than 300 million people worldwide are living with hepatitis. It claims 1.3 million lives each year, and new data from the World Health Organization shows the number of deaths is rising.  

Despite there being a cure for hepatitis C and effective treatment for hepatitis B, most people living with hepatitis don’t know they have it until it is too late.  

Testing is the only way to know if you have hepatitis. But for most people, testing remains beyond reach. Globally, only 13.4% of people living with hepatitis B and 36% with hepatitis C know they have it. 

We have all the tools needed to eliminate this disease. Instead, there are currently 2 million new cases each year. Expanding access to hepatitis testing is essential to control and end its spread. 

World Hepatitis Testing Week will encourage everyone to get tested so they can protect themselves, their loved ones, and future generations. We want to ask for your support in [insert your country or state] in the following ways:  

• Promote greater public and political awareness of the importance of getting tested for viral hepatitis B and C. 

• Speak to other officials to make sure your government is investing in hepatitis testing services.  

• Support campaigns for substantially increased testing in community and health facility-based services.  

• Deliver high-quality evidence-based, people-centred services.  

• Define the populations most affected and at-risk of hepatitis in your region and address their needs.  

• Strengthen community and civil society involvement and create innovative partnerships.  

We look forward to your support this World Hepatitis Testing Week.  

Yours sincerely, 

[Insert name] 

• An estimated 9.7 million people live with hepatitis B. Only 23% have been diagnosed, and just 4.2% are receiving the treatment they would need.
• An estimated 5.6 million people live with hepatitis C. Only 45% have been diagnosed, and just 23% are receiving the treatment they would need.