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"Viral time bomb"

29 Apr 2008

A high percentage of people with acute HCV infection go on to suffer long-term consequences of the disease.6 The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) estimates that about 20% of those with the infection will die of the long-term consequences of HCV, which include liver failure and liver cancer.7 Currently, the recommended pharmaco-therapy of HCV consists of pegylated interferon in combination wit [...] Some studies have estimated the prevalence of HCV among prisoners in Canada to be between 19 and 40%.19 According to the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), overall estimates of the prevalence of HCV in provincial and federal correctional facilities have ranged from 25 to 40%, and HCV prevalence among prisoners in Canada is higher than in the general population.20 CSC has further reported that a [...] This sum is to be paid over 20 years to assist provinces and territories in dealing with the massive impact of hepatitis transmission through blood transfusion in the years before HCV screening of the blood supply.33 The last of these payments is expected in the 2014–15 fiscal year. [...] British Columbia reported that it has used part of that allocation for prevention and outreach, though the lion’s share has gone to treatment and training of health professionals.34 Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care reported in 2007 that its HCV prevention program supports 32 needle exchanges and their satellites, regulation and inspection of tattoo parlours, and regulation of acupun [...] This decision flew in the face of a positive, independent evaluation of the program, the advice of the city’s own medical officer of health, and support from front- line organizations across the country that provide health services to people who use drugs.59 To the degree that needle exchanges are useful for HCV prevention in some populations, especially if they distribute other equipment in addit
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Authors

Csete, Joanne

Pages
32
Published in
Canada

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