A proposed strategy to address hepatitis C in Ontario 2009-2014 : Projet de stratégie de lutte contre l'hépatite C en Ontario 2009-2014

This document reflects the knowledge gathered through an extensive community consultation process, dialogue and discussion with relevant groups within the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other ministries of the Government of Ontario, and the experience and expertise of the dedicated women and men that make up your Hepatitis C Task Force. [...] When considering this it is important to understand the social context, including the issue of stigmatization and marginalization of Aboriginal peoples in Ontario and the historic oppression, marginalization, and colonization that have contributed to their low health and socioeconomic status in Canada. [...] H Several barriers to access were identified in the 13 community consultations across Ontario, including stigmatizing attitudes and behaviours of health care providers, the reluctance of health care providers to treat people living with HCV due to concerns regarding HCV treating competency, and coordination with other health and social service providers to address the complex health and social ser [...] For example, the prohibition against the possession of needles in correctional facilities precludes access to the most important HCV prevention tool for IDUs.57 Collaboration between the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS), AIDS Bureau, the Hepatitis C Secretariat, and Public Health Division may foster discussions and best practices on expanding the outreach and educatio [...] The Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver (CASL) 2007 consensus guidelines on the Management of Chronic Hepatitis C state that: “The annual estimated hepatitis C-related mortality and the rate of cure on therapy is exceeded by the number of new infections and the number of infected persons immigrating to Canada, so that the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is increasing an