消除病毒性肝炎日2023-05-11-Eng

Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day

Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day (May 11, 2023, in Ottawa)

The Chinese Hepatitis B Peer Support Group (PSG) was invited by the CanhepB (Canadian Hepatitis B Network) to participate in the second annual Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day organized by Action Hepatitis Canada. To help achieve the WHO vision of a viral hepatitis elimination plan by 2030, Action Hepatitis Canada has been actively engaging the government and policymakers to address the WHO plan.

On behalf of the Hep B PSG, Colina Yim and patient representative Larry Wong, one of the founding members of the group, attended the Elimination Day. The Day commenced with a Parliamentary Breakfast, during which several government officials addressed viral hepatitis issues in Canada. Colina and Larry also had the opportunity to meet representatives of other organizations such as the Canadian Liver Foundation, Manitoba Harm Reduction Network, and the Prisoners’ HIV/AIDS Support Action Network. After the breakfast meeting, Larry joined 4 other delegates and spoke at the Press Conference, sharing his personal experience with hepatitis B.  The Day concluded with a roundtable consultation with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), where they sought public input on the renewal of the national STBBI (Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections) Action Plan. Notably, Colina and Larry voiced to the government the significance of enhancing hepatitis B awareness and education across Canada.