2004-11March 27, 2004For immediate releaseOTTAWA - The Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Health, today announced the renewal of the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support and Research Program for one year as part of the 2004 federal budget. The $10.6 million in funding was included in the 2004 federal budget."Until the new Public Health Agency has been established and a long-term strategy developed, this renewed funding will allow important work to continue on hepatitis C," said Minister Pettigrew. "We have been working with provincial and territorial governments and stakeholders in the hepatitis C community for five years. This additional year will help enhance a cohesive, integrated approach to reaching people who are at risk of acquiring hepatitis C, as well as other infectious diseases."The announcement comes just before the start of the 2nd Canadian Conference on Hepatitis C, which is taking place in Vancouver, B.C., from March 27 to 30, 2004. Health Canada is a major contributor to the conference, having provided $487,200 to the Canadian Viral Hepatitis Network for organizing the conference. Some of this funding is used for scholarships for community-based grassroots organizations who work with at-risk groups to attend the conference.Health Canada is also sponsoring a Youth Symposium. The symposium is led by youth and will bring together over 80 representatives between the ages of 18 and 29 who have a particular interest in hepatitis C and harm-reduction initiatives from around the country to provide peer-based training on hepatitis C prevention for "at-risk" youth. Participants will have the opportunity to share best practices and personal experiences working with youth who are infected with, affected by or at risk of hepatitis C.Although an estimated 250,000 Canadians are infected with hepatitis C, about one third are unaware of their infection. Some people may experience symptoms such as fatigue and jaundice following initial infection, but many others have no symptoms. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, it can be treated. It is important to find out if you have the virus and to seek medical attention as soon as possible.In 1998, the federal government announced funding of up to $50 million over five years for disease prevention, community support and research. -30-Media Inquiries:Media RelationsHealth Canada(613) 957-2983Sébastien Théberge/Adèle BlanchardOffice of Minister PettigrewMinister of Health Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Responsible for Official Languages(613) 957-0200Pettigrew-Communications@hc-sc.gc.caPublic Inquiries:(613) 957-2991
