The provincial government and an immigrant services agency have launched a new program they hope will help combat hepatitis B in immigrant communities.
The program called “Let’s Talk About B,” was developed by immigrant support society S.U.C.C.E.S.S., and will provide education, awareness and support.
It’s estimated one in 17 new immigrants to B.C. are infected with hepatitis B.
Health officials say that many people are left undiagnosed and untreated as symptoms of the disease do not appear until after the liver has been severely damaged.
People born in Asian countries have a three to 12 times higher risk of contracting hepatitis B than Canadian-born people and the consequences can be serious.
“The long-term effects for those with undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis B are extremely serious,” says the head of the Division of Gastroenterology at UBC, Dr. Eric Yoshida. “25 to 30 per cent of these patients will die early because of cirrhosis or cancer. This program will go a long way to helping those with hepatitis B live longer, healthier lives.”
“Asian communities in British Columbia will be well-served by a program like this one,” said MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, Naomi Yamamoto. “The long-term effects of a disease like hepatitis B can be devastating, and I know the program will help many immigrants get the support and treatment they need.”
The program is available in Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi, Tagalog and English.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. received a $400,000 grant in 2013 from the provincial government to develop the Hepatitis B awareness campaign.
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