World Hepatitis Day is an opportunity to raise awareness among Canadians in an effort to reduce the number of new hepatitis infections in this country. It is also an opportunity to help ensure that those who are infected receive proper treatment while at the same time increasing access to testing for those most at risk. This year, the Government of Canada is pleased to support the Canadian Society for International Health which is coordinating more than 35 World Hepatitis Day events across Canada. This year's theme is Know Your Status? Get Tested.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viruses that can lead to serious health consequences. Hepatitis B and C are spread through the contact of blood (or other bodily fluids) of an infected person to a non-infected person. Close to 600,000 people in Canada are infected with hepatitis B or C, and of that group, more than 50,000 may not be aware that they are infected.
Helping people find out if they have this disease is critical to stopping the spread of the virus and to connecting infected individuals with proper care and support services. I urge all Canadians to learn more about hepatitis and to speak to their health-care provider about testing.
Since 2008, the Government of Canada has been committed to addressing hepatitis in Canada. This year we are investing over $9 million to support research, surveillance, awareness, prevention and care. Of this amount, $3.5 million supports community groups that help prevent and control the spread of this disease while also making a difference in the lives of those affected by viral hepatitis.
The Government of Canada is also proud to support global efforts to address viral hepatitis. We do this by funding the Global Hepatitis C Network in Canada and by signing onto an international commitment that recognizes viral hepatitis as a major world health challenge.
Working together with the provinces and territories and non-government organizations, we can reduce the number of new infections in Canada and improve the quality of life for people affected by the disease.
On World Hepatitis Day, please join me in recognizing the hard work and dedication of public health and healthcare professionals, researchers and communities.
For more information on World Hepatitis Day, I encourage you to visit World Hepatitis Day Canada
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
