New Life New Liver is a program to support the ex-intravenous drug users infected by hepatitis C virus. We are delighted to announce its launching in 2009.

Chronic hepatitis C has been a relatively neglected disease in Hong Kong as it is not common among the general public. It is, however, the commonest cause of liver cancer and liver transplantation in the West. In Hong Kong, more than 50% of people who have used intravenous drugs are infected by this virus. Some of these people have quitted drugs through various rehabilitation programs and re-integrated into society. Though many of them have gainful employment and contribute much to society, they belong to a minor community that again receives insufficient public attention. Hepatitis C virus infection may impose physical disability and is a potential threat to their life and their family.

We believe neither of us can tackle this medico-social problem with our own effort. To help these hepatitis C virus infected ex-drug users, a multi-disciplinary team is essential. We are glad that we manage to call upon a team of voluntary medical professionals and social workers to meet this need. In the New Life New Liver program, we hope we can identify the ex-drug users with good behavior and assist them through the process of screening, treatment and rehabilitation of their hepatitis C virus infection. These activities may serve as a platform to reinforce drug avoidance to the public.

We hope our program can serve an important, albeit small, unmet need of our society. Your every effort of support will be much appreciated.