Message from the Minister of Health - World Hepatitis Day
Statement
July 28, 2016
July 28th marks World Hepatitis Day, and is an opportunity to draw attention to the impact of viral hepatitis in Canada and the efforts to eliminate this disease around the world.
This past May, I had the opportunity to attend the World Health Assembly in Geneva where 194 Member States adopted the first-ever Global Strategy for Viral Hepatitis.The strategy sets a goal of eliminating both hepatitis B and C by 2030 and includes a set of prevention targets and milestones for 2020.
We are fully supportive of this strategy here in Canada, and are committed to ending viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. It is estimated that over half a million Canadians and one in 12 people worldwide are affected by this disease. And we know that prevention and early detection are essential to saving lives.
Canada has been at the forefront of hepatitis C research and is also a leader in the worldwide endeavours to develop a vaccine. The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research recently invested $4.5 million in the National Hepatitis C Collaborative Network. This network brings together researchers, clinicians and patients to carry out research to improve prevention and care for those living with this disease.
Across Canada, doctors, medical researchers and other health professionals are working hard every day to put an end to viral hepatitis and build healthier communities. This World Hepatitis Day, let’s renew our commitment to those living with this disease and to continue our collective efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis.
The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.
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Hon. Jane Philpott Public Health Agency of Canada Health and Safety
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