On Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day, the Provincial Government is announcing the creation of a Steering Committee to lead strategy development for the elimination of Hepatitis C in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Hepatitis C Elimination Steering Committee will embrace innovation and lead transformative action to reduce the incidence and impact of Hepatitis C in this province. The committee will develop a Newfoundland and Labrador Framework for elimination of Hepatitis C, which will guide province-specific attention and resources toward nationally and internationally agreed upon Hepatitis C elimination goals for 2030.
The committee’s work will focus on facilitating early and equitable access to testing, treatment, and care, and support persons living with Hepatitis C in a manner that minimizes the risk for stigma and discrimination.
In addition to key experts, the committee will include representatives who have lived and living experiences with viral hepatitis, and will highlight the importance of prevention and harm reduction strategies.
Thursday, May 11, 2023 marks the second annual Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day, which promotes urgency to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat in Canada by 2030. Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease, which spreads primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. It ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious lifelong illness that causes permanent liver damage. Newfoundland and Labrador has seen gradual increases in Hepatitis C in all regional health zones, and since 2017 rates of new Hepatitis C infection in this province have been above the national rate.
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“I am confident that the creation of this Steering Committee will provide a tangible opportunity to advance our government’s strategic public health goals by improving quality and access and enhancing health efficiency. Eliminating Hepatitis C is possible and feasible, and through the valuable work of this Steering Committee, we are on our way.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
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