Hepatitis B Among Newcomers
Hepatitis B is common in many areas of the world. Some newcomers may have high rates of certain infectious diseases, including hepatitis B, compared to people in their destination countries. This is because they may come from areas where hepatitis B is very common, and may experience disruptions in healthcare access after they arrive to the U.S. Forcibly displaced communities, like refugees and asylees, also may experience other situations related to their migration journeys like congregate living conditions and experience with violence that can make hepatitis B easier to spread.
MHI led two projects related to hepatitis B for newcomers: a Hepatitis B Dialogue Guide for healthcare providers, and a health education campaign for communities.
Hepatitis B Dialogue Guide
Hepatitis B disproportionately affects people from certain regions of Africa and Asia, yet many newcomers to the U.S. are unfamiliar with the virus, its risks, or how to access screening, vaccination, and treatment. At the same time, healthcare providers often face real barriers—like limited time, competing priorities, or lack of culturally tailored materials—when trying to address hepatitis B in their practice.
This guide helps healthcare providers proactively create the conditions that equip patients with the information and support needed to make informed decisions about hepatitis B screening and vaccination.
Protect Your Family Campaign
Protect Your Family is a health education campaign that supports hepatitis B vaccine uptake among refugee and immigrant communities in the United States. This collection prioritizes the needs of Sub-Saharan African communities while supporting Asian communities with more language options than is typically available from public health authorities.
The campaign was informed by the experiences of a cohort of community leaders representing 10 countries and 11 languages. It also features customizable templates, audio and video resources, and a conversation guide to help with dissemination.