Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

This content was archived on June 24, 2013.

World Hepatitis Day

July 28, 2011

July 28, 2011 marks World Hepatitis Day. This year's theme is "Know it. Confront it. Hepatitis affects everyone, everywhere."

Both the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) target the liver and can cause serious illness or, even, death. Most people infected with either virus do not have noticeable symptoms and, unknowingly, may be experiencing liver damage or infecting others.

The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through sexual contact, by sharing contaminated drug equipment, or from mother to child during pregnancy and birth. But HBV is treatable, especially if caught early. It can also be prevented with a vaccine.

The hepatitis C virus is spread through blood-to-blood contact, sexual contact, or sharing contaminated drug equipment. HCV begins as an acute infection of the liver, but can become a chronic disease. The virus progresses slowly and can go undetected for many years. Although 15 to 25 per cent of people infected with HCV get better without treatment, most develop a long-lasting or chronic infection. In Canada, injection drug use remains the biggest risk factor for hepatitis C infection, and is associated with 63 per cent of new cases. Aboriginal populations, inmates, and youth at-risk are the most vulnerable to HCV infection.

Testing for hepatitis B and C is critical to stopping the spread of the virus and to ensuring that infected individuals are offered culturally appropriate health care and support. I urge all Canadians to learn more about these diseases and to speak to their health-care provider about testing.

Since 2008, the Government of Canada has invested more than $10.5 million a year in the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support, and Research Program to address HCV in Canada. A portion of these funds supports community-based projects across Canada that help prevent the spread of hepatitis C and improve the lives of those living with it.

The Government of Canada also funds the Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH) to manage the Global Hepatitis C Network in Canada. This network facilitates global collaboration and information-sharing on best practices for addressing Hepatitis C.

To mark World Hepatitis Day in Canada, the CSIH is coordinating activities across the country. I encourage you to visit  www.whdcanada.ca to see what activities are taking place in your region.

I commend all the community organizations across Canada that work tirelessly to help make a meaningful difference to those living with, or affected by, the disease.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada