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New Hepatits C Information from AIDS Vancouver

 While only recently discovered as a virus in 1989, hepatitis C, commonly referred to as HCV, has been quick to make its presence known throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labelled hepatitis C as a “viral time bomb” because of its ability to “spread quickly and quietly for some time before the force of its explosive impact hits health-care systems”.

 Hepatitis C Curriculum Workbook -- Click to download
In Canada, it is conservatively estimated that 250,000-300,000 people are infected with HCV. In addition, there are an estimated 6,000 new cases of hepatitis C each year. About three quarters of these cases are attributed to drug injection with contaminated equipment. Even without injection there is the potential to become infected thought the use of contaminated drug equipments such as straws, spoons and other devices employed in drug use. It is estimated that a large number of those infected with HCV will develop chronic or long-term infection.
 
Current studies indicate that people between 30 to 39 years of age are most affected by HCV. Studies also indicate that the prevalence of HCV among youth is on the rise. The majority of HCV cases within Canada are reported in British Columbia and Ontario. 10% of people living with HCV are also infected with HIV and 20 to 30% of people living with HIV have also contracted HCV.
 
AIDS Vancouver regards education and health promotion as a means to empower various populations by providing information that enables individuals to better understand and take care of their health. One of the many benefits of working with together with the committee is getting first hand access to the questions regarding HIV related issues. Interviews with AV patrons and AV workshop attendees revealed the need for more extensive information on topics such as hepatitis C and HIV/HCV co-infection.
 
In order to better meet those needs, Prevention and Education services has developed an exciting new curriculum resource that will help to increase awareness of hepatitis C infection, hepatitis C and HIV co-infection and the various surrounding issues related to those topics. The activities and materials presented in the Hepatitis C Curriculum Workbook bring together a variety of educational approaches designed to support an interactive and engaged learning process guaranteed to meet the varied needs of all learners. AV workshop participants attending new hepatitis C workshops will:
  • Have a basic understanding of hepatitis and hepatitis C, how hepatitis C is transmitted and how the disease progresses in the body.
  • Understand key concepts such as risk and vulnerability and their relation to hepatitis C.
  • Develop a better understanding of some of the social issues and dynamics that surround hepatitis C infection. This includes and awareness of the effects of stigma and discrimination against people living with and affected by hepatitis C.
  • Understand the various processes involved in testing and treatment by providing learners with step-by-step guideline through the process.
  • Identify specific needs of individuals infected with hepatitis C including those related directly to health, nutrition, treatment options and support.
 On May 19th -- Hepatitis Day -- AIDS Vancouver invited the public to come learn more about Hepatitis C and get a first hand look at some of our new material, including a great new recipe book that is both Hepatitis C friendly, affordable and easy to use. AV staff was on hand to answer questions.

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