Description

CHIPO is a coalition of organizations and individuals interested in addressing the high rates of hepatitis B infections among African communities in the U.S. Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that is the leading cause of liver cancer in the world. An estimated 2 million people in the United States are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus. CHIPO serves as a forum for sharing information and best practices, and improving national capacity to improve hepatitis B awareness, testing, vaccination, and treatment among highly affected African communities.

Mission

CHIPO, meaning "gift" in the Shona language, seeks to promote hepatitis B education and prevention among African immigrants, healthcare providers, and organizations serving this community, through raising awareness, developing local and national partnerships, and advocating for increased screening and improved linkage to care services. We currently have over 30 coalition partners around the U.S., dedicated to addressing viral hepatitis in African communities.

Goals

The primary goals of CHIPO are to:
* Discuss issues around the diagnosis and treatment of HBV among African immigrants.
* Engage and further educate healthcare, service, and other providers about the importance of hepatitis B testing, prevention, and timely treatment.
* Ensure that the African immigrant population is represented in HBV programs regionally and nationally.
* Create and support infrastructure of "Hepatitis B in African Immigrants Populations" workgroup.

CHIPO strategies and activities include:
* Coordinating and conducting awareness and educational presentations and events with and for the community.
* Sharing relevant topics, research and interventions via presentations, conference calls and webinars
* promoting the coalition and the work of coalition members, locally and nationwide