Statement from the Minister of Health on World Hepatitis Day July 28, 2020

July 28, 2020 - Ottawa, ON - Health Canada

Today, on World Hepatitis Day, people living in Canada and those across the globe are raising awareness about viral hepatitis.

In Canada, while we are starting to see a reduction in the rates of hepatitis B, rates of hepatitis C continue to show slight increases. It is estimated that every hour, at least one person is diagnosed with viral hepatitis C. Of those living with chronic hepatitis C, 44% do not know they are infected.

Marginalized and racialized communities, including Indigenous Peoples, people who use injection drugs and immigrants from countries where viral hepatitis is endemic, are disproportionately represented among newly diagnosed cases. Many of these communities have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, which has further amplified the social and health inequities that drive vulnerabilities to viral hepatitis.

Now, more than ever, we must work together to address these inequalities, and end the systemic discrimination and stigma that prevent those most in need from accessing testing, curative treatment and harm reduction services.

I have been inspired to see community organizations, researchers and frontline health workers rising to this challenge, and working tirelessly to find new ways to safely deliver care, treatment and support, so that no one is left behind during these difficult times.

As part of the Government of Canada’s Five-Year Action Plan on Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections, we will continue to work with and support community-based organizations, Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, researchers and the health sector to prevent new infections and improve access to diagnosis and treatment in order to meet global targets to reduce the impact of viral hepatitis and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections by 2030.

Together, we can join our voices in raising awareness about viral hepatitis and reduce its impact in our communities while acting with compassion and inclusivity.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.