OTTAWA,
ON, July 28, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, on World
Hepatitis Day, I would like to raise awareness about the importance
of vaccination, testing and treatment to end viral hepatitis as a
public health concern in Canada.
Viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver. Globally, 354 million
people live with hepatitis, with more than 1.1 million lives lost
each year to hepatitis.
In Canada, the three most
common hepatitis-related viruses are A, B and C. Hepatitis A can be
caused by consuming contaminated water or food, while hepatitis B
and C are transmitted through contact with infected blood, sharing
contaminated needles/syringes or other drug use equipment, or by
having sex without a condom.
People with hepatitis can experience effects ranging from mild
illness to serious liver damage. Many recover completely from an
infection, while others become carriers and can spread the
infection unknowingly.
Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are key for better
health outcomes. Vaccines prevent Hepatitis A and B in adults,
adolescents and infants. While hepatitis C is curable with
effective antiviral treatments, harm reduction practices remain
important to preventing reinfection.
Although we have made great strides in reducing viral hepatitis
rates, it continues to be present across the country and can have
severe impacts on health. In 2021, it was estimated that 22 people
in Canada were infected by
hepatitis C every day, and 262,000 people were living with chronic
hepatitis B. During the pandemic, there were disruptions in routine
childhood vaccination programs, which may have
impacted routine hepatitis B vaccination for school-aged
children and teens. To protect your health, I encourage you and
your family to take action by staying up to date on routine
vaccinations, talking to a health care provider or visiting a
travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before travelling, and
getting tested if you think you may be at risk.
Eliminating viral hepatitis requires a whole-of-community
effort. In February 2024, the
Government of Canada launched the
Government of Canada's sexually
transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) action plan
2024-2030 in consultation with community-based organizations,
Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, researchers, health
care professionals, and people with lived experience. The Action
Plan aims to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted and
blood-borne infections, including hepatitis, and helps to address
stigma, dispel misconceptions, promote understanding, and create
more inclusive and supporting environments for people living with
STBBI.
To help close the gap among populations with lower vaccine
uptake, the Government of Canada
has also provided funding to community-driven
initiatives since 2016 through the Immunization
Partnership Fund. These projects are helping to reach
vaccine-hesitant individuals so that they can make informed choices
on vaccination.
Let's take action to end viral hepatitis together. Speak with a
health care provider to make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date
and learn about prevention, testing, and treatment for viral
hepatitis.
SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada