BC Hepatitis Network

We can eliminate viral hepatitis in BC by 2030. We're #NotWaiting. #WorldHepatitisDay and every day: for a BC without hepatitis. Learn more: HepFreeBC.ca

One of the biggest barriers to people accessing #ViralHepatitis testing and treatment is discrimination and stigma. For Canada to reach its hepatitis elimination targets by 2030, the stigma must stop! Watch the #hepC pop quiz to learn more: youtube.com/watch?v=kzoBO1… #CanHepDay

Treatment cures over 95% of people with #hepatitisC. This #CanHepDay (May 11) spread the word! With accessible prevention, testing, and treatment services we can eliminate #hepC as a public health threat in Canada by 2030: catie.ca/hepatitis-c-an… @CATIEinfo @canhepc @LiverCanada

As #HepTestWeek ends, a reminder that BCHep offers #HepatitisC Point of Care Test Program, training sites to do hep C antibody POC tests. Non-healthcare tester, one drop of blood, results in 20 mins. It's lower barrier screening + linkage to care. ✨ Info: bchep.org/point-of-care

We sent letters to @bcndp @BCGreens & @Conservative_BC calling for commitment to viral #Hepatitis elimination by 2030. Thanks #NDP for a "Yes" response letter! DYK in '18, NDP made curative #HepatitisC meds free under PharmaCare? Read: bchep.org/news #bcpoli @adriandix

One of the main questions we get asked is: how do I get tested for #hepatitisC in BC? We've written a blog post that covers that, and lists some services that are available around the province like @foundrybc, @FNHA Virtual Dr of the Day, or @AVIVanIsle. ow.ly/RJZB50TEEc3

@Michelle_Gamage @andreasereda Absolutely, thanks for sharing about this! Luckily, if people are infected with hepatitis C there is treatment that provides a cure--which can then also save money by preventing further liver damage and harms.

Tomorrow is #iOAD2024. 💜 We mourn friends, family, community who have died too soon, and rage at the inaction of gov't for their non-response. Overdose and hep C are connected, many PWUD are impacted by both. Together we can make a future where no life is lost to toxic drugs.

There are positive updates to #PharmaCare for #hepatitisC! -If treatment naive a genotype report for pan-genotype meds Maviret, Epclusa is not required -Dried Blood Spot accepted as RNA test confirming hep C infection -Maviret approved for treating hep C in children ➡️ ⬆️ cure

DYK that hepatitis can go unnoticed until it's too late? Early detection through testing is key for treatment and prevention. On this #WorldHepatitisDay, let's promo the importance of hepatitis testing. It's a simple step that can save lives. Learn more: bchep.org.

🌍✨ July 28 is #WorldHepatitisDay! Drug policy is vital in viral hepatitis work because they're so closely linked. Harm reduction strategies are key to prevention, which are influenced by fed drug policies. Read more - bit.ly/4fmXrmm #HarmReduction #EndStigma

Great article on the ties between harm reduction and #hepatitisC, and busting the myth that abstinence or sobriety is required before starting hep C treatment: Direct Acting Antivirals. Everyone should be offered treatment, which is 95%+ effective at curing hep C.

Hey, it's almost #WorldHepatitisDay! Groups across BC are holding education and testing events: let's raise awareness about #ViralHepatitis, reduce stigma, and promo testing and treatment. Will you be able to make it to an events? #TakeActionWHD #healthequity #endstigma

In BC, you can get #hepatitisC treatment that provides a cure in 95%+ of people who take it! Few side effects and only 1-3 pills/day for 2-4 months. The only way to know if you have hep C is to get tested. Talk to your doctor/NP, @optbc, GetCheckedOnline, or @isexualhealth.

@ubcspph Jean Damascene Makuza does some great work on viral hepatitis! Congratulations to them both.

Congratulations to UBC SPPH students Aygun Ibrahimova and Jean Damascene Makuza on being awarded the Bill Meekison Memorial Scholarship in Public Health! 🎉 l8r.it/MPRa

#WorldHepatitisDay is fast approaching: 📌 Check out our website for campaign resources to raise awareness on 28 July. 📌 Join our virtual #WHDRelay by recording a 30-second video. 📌 Take the pledge to help end hepatitis. Find out more on how you can take action this year >> bit.ly/3pARJZ7 #TimeforAction

Supportive drug policy prevents incarceration and isolation, improves access to substitution options and safer supply, promotes health info and access to HR supplies. Without each of these pieces being widely supported and available, the impact of hepatitis B and C increases.

Drug policy and viral hepatitis are intertwined. Policies that seek to punish people who use drugs also increase risk of hepatitis B and/or C transmission. #SupportDontPunish

We always appreciate when meetings and conferences are held in hybrid or virtual formats so those of us outside of Vancouver can participate. 👏 Joining @bccfe for a session on syndemics, including talks on #Doxycycline, syphilis and an STI update.

@garthmullins @BCCSU @guyfelicella @crackdownpod @VANDUpeople Congratulations, your work through Crackdown and VANDU continues to inspire action in people far and wide.

Still overwhelmed at being presented @BCCSU's Bud Osborn Award for Knowledge Translation by @guyfelicella last Friday. Bud was a mentor to many. His poetry revealed deeper truths of the drug war. That's what we seek at @crackdownpod & @vandupeople.

Last week @YYCsexualhealth was on @CBC @cbcwhitecoat talking about normalizing conversations about STIs. Great overview of STIs, including the fact that hepatitis A & B are vaccine preventable and the importance of regular testing--for everyone! bit.ly/3Vusc17