World Hepatitis Day takes place every July 28th to raise awareness of the global burden of viral hepatitis and to influence real change. In 2023 the theme is ‘We’re not waiting, calling on people around the world to take action, get tested and know their hepatitis C (HCV) status.
In BC, testing and treatment are simple, free and curative in as little as 8 weeks. Our Viral Hepatitis Research Program located at the Hope to Health Research & Innovation Centre, takes a syndemics and health equity approach, focusing on the intersections between HCV, HIV, and mental health and substance use disorders. They offer testing and access to treatment, along with a range of supports to harm reduction services (including our supervised consumption site), post-treatment follow-up and access to mental health and primary care supports.
To help bring awareness in the community we serve in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), the team was at Oppenheimer Park to celebrate World Hepatitis Day with treats, games and informational materials. Meeting people in the community, the aim was to educate, provide people with any resources they may need, and encourage them to engage in care.
our recent study found that among 227 people recently treated for HCV, 96% of respondents correctly identified ways to reduce risk of HCV through harm reduction and 90% understood the risks for reinfection. Low-barrier HCV Care + Education + Harm Reduction = dream team
– Research Scientist Dr. Kate Salters