Bristol-Myers Squibb and the Hepatitis B Foundation have announced the launch of the fourth annual "AIM for the B Awareness, Involvement and Mobilization for Chronic Hepatitis B" programme. A public education initiative taking place during National Hepatitis B Awareness Week (May 7-11).

"AIM for the B" events in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu and New York this week will provide a forum to increase awareness of chronic hepatitis B as a serious health issue in the United States and emphasize the importance of active disease management, especially among Asian Americans who are disproportionately affected by the disease.

"Education is essential to helping patients and their families understand hepatitis B, its health effects and the options available to them to manage the disease," said Molli Conti, executive director of the Hepatitis B Foundation. "The 'AIM for the B' events will teach people more about chronic hepatitis B and help them understand the importance of talking about the disease as a way to overcome the stigma that can be associated with it."

This year's program will feature educational events in four cities where prevalence of chronic hepatitis B is high - San Francisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu and New York. At these events, a panel of well-regarded physicians, chronic hepatitis B patients and representatives from patient advocacy organizations will share their personal experiences with the disease, and discuss the importance of increasing education and awareness of liver health. The panel will also discuss the benefits of early diagnosis and appropriate care.

"As we enter the fourth year of the 'AIM for the B' programme, BMS and the Hepatitis B Foundation are committed to increasing dialogue within the most affected communities through these important educational events," said Ann Kolokathis, MD, vice president, virology, global medical affairs, Bristol- Myers Squibb. "As a company, BMS aims to support people combating serious diseases such as hepatitis B. With the care of a doctor and a commitment to treatment, many patients have seen positive results."