This page is an archive. Its content may no longer be accurate and was last updated on the original publication date. It is intended for reference and as a historical record only. For hep C questions, call Help4Hep BC at 1-888-411-7578.
Note: By continuing to define/include hepatitis C as a sexually transmitted disease limited to “vulnerable” populations, the federal government has essentially ignored the bulk of those in Canada with hepatitis C who are not part of this “minority” demographic. Shame!
November 9, 2016 – Ottawa, ON – Public Health Agency of Canada
Ottawa – The fight to eliminate HIV, Hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted or blood borne infections is a priority for our government. Achieving our goals requires a comprehensive approach that includes a strong focus on vulnerable populations, with investment in interventions that have the greatest potential impact.
Recently, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced its decisions related to funding of community-based projects under its new HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund. The Fund, which invests $26.4 million per year in communities across Canada, was redesigned following consultations by PHAC, with the intent of fostering innovation, encouraging more collaboration and partnerships, maximizing efficiencies and, ultimately, increasing the effectiveness of community-based investments.
While 124 organizations were successful in the application process, including 41 new organizations, others were not. That included some organizations that had been funded previously under the program. For some of these organizations, the loss of project funding for next year was disappointing. For others, this represents the loss of an important source of funding which could impact the sustainability of the organizations and their work.
At my direction, the Agency has investigated options for helping these organizations with the impact of this loss of project funding. As a result, currently funded organizations that were unsuccessful in the recent competition will have transitional project funding for another year, ending March 31, 2018. Furthermore, we are working with organizations that were approved for projects at lower funding levels next year, to help them through the transition. PHAC will be working with organizations on a case-by-case basis to assess the unique circumstances of each.
We still have much work to do if we are going to stop the spread of these serious, but preventable diseases. That’s why it is important that we continue to work hand in hand with stakeholders, partners and people living with these diseases in order to make a difference.
The Honourable Jane Philpott P.C.
Minister of Health
Source: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=1150389&crtr.tp1D=980