Provincial government eyes Treatment as Prevention to fight viral hepatitis

Application of BC-CfE’s HIV model could deliver a hepatitis-free generation to our province and be applied to other high burden diseases

The Treatment as Prevention approach to fighting HIV has been so successful in British Columbia, the provincial government plans to implement a similar approach to combatting viral hepatitis.

Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid announced a $1.5-million fund to explore ways to better address epidemics of both hepatitis B and C in British Columbia, including the plan to apply the successful Treatment as Prevention model pioneered by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) to these diseases.

Viral hepatitis affects thousands of British Columbians, many of whom are unaware they even have the disease. The BC Centre for Disease Control estimates that 80,000 British Columbians are living with hepatitis C, and 60,000 are living with hepatitis B.

“We are committed to working to improve the health of all British Columbians and their families who may be affected by viral hepatitis,” said Minister MacDiarmid. “While treatment and disease management of hepatitis B and hepatitis C is important, it is also critical to improve awareness, education and knowledge about the disease and how it can spread, particularly among our more vulnerable groups.”

In applying the successful HIV Treatment as Prevention model, work will focus on: determining vulnerable individuals; identifying the best ways to prevent new infections; how to engage those at risk or living with the diseases in testing, treatment and support; and, assess how improved reach and effectiveness of new antiviral treatments could impact those living with the viruses, and ultimately change the course of the hepatitis epidemics.

“With the support of the B.C. government, we have led the way in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Now, we hope to do the same with viral hepatitis,” said Dr. Julio Montaner, Director of the BC-CfE. “What we have done for HIV can and should be done for other high burden diseases like hepatitis. We can take the infrastructure we have developed under STOP HIV/AIDS and apply it so we can deliver a hepatitis-free generation to our province.”

Both hepatitis B and C are viruses that infect the liver and can lead to permanent liver damage, including liver cancer and liver failure. Hepatitis B and C are often referred to as “silent” diseases because often no symptoms appear until the infected person’s liver is severely damaged – a process that can sometimes take decades.

Hepatitis B is primarily spread through intimate contact with an infected person. Most adults who get hepatitis B recover. However, it can become a long-term, chronic disease that can damage a person’s liver over time. Chronic illness is especially common among those who were exposed to the hepatitis B virus at birth and did not receive a vaccine.

There are treatments available for hepatitis B that can reduce the amount of virus circulating in the body and decrease the damage to the liver. Regular check-ups are key to determine which individuals will benefit the most from treatment.

Hepatitis C is primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person’s blood. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Some people who are infected completely recover from the virus after a short-term, acute illness. However, many become chronically infected and their liver can be damaged, as with hepatitis B. There are treatments available that can cure many who are chronically infected.

This project will be funded through the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. The province also provided an additional $400,000 grant to the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Society will help improve awareness of hepatitis B, and provide prevention, treatment and self-management education among immigrant communities.