Two weeks ago, a presentation on Hepatitis C awareness was held at the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians Center in Markham. 14 women and three men, all Filipinos, attended it. The information-giving session was made possible by the Canadian Ethnocultural Council in collaboration with the Canadian Liver Foundation, with the cooperation of the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians.
Why were Filipinos targeted for this health issue? The Hepatitis C virus was first identified in 1989. From 1960 to 1990, as estimated 90,000 to 100,000 Canadians contracted Hepatitis C through infected blood and blood products. (Remember the Red Cross Scandal?)
A worldwide study showed that a prevalence of 3% or higher exists in some of the countries from which Canada gets immigrants – people from the Republic of China, Egypt, Philippines and Vietnam. One may have the virus without showing symptoms, if the immune system of the person is very strong. In other words, one may be carrying the virus caught a long time ago, without showing outward signs.
The purpose of alerting people coming from these four countries of the world is that they may have the virus without knowing that they probably got it when they were still in their country of origin. Safety measures can be undertaken to clear them of the virus and prevent infecting other people. It is therefore useful to know more about Hepatitis C.
A pre-evaluation given to participants in the presentation showed that most of them know very little about Hepatitis C.
Some facts about this disease are included in this report for the general Filipino population as well as for those who may be interested.Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. If caused by a virus, it is called a viral hepatitis. Seven different viruses have been identified to cause hepatitis. The most common in Canada are Hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatitis A is spread by fecal-oral route via raw seafood, shellfish, contaminated water and ice cubes, Hepatitis B may be contracted through blood and body fluids, sexual contact and from an infected mother, to the child at birth.
Hepatitis C is spread through blood and body fluids containing blood.Hepatitis A & B vaccines are available. If you are traveling to countries wherein danger from unsafe food and water exists, better have the Hepatitis A & B vaccines before going.There is no existing vaccine for Hepatitis C. The only preventive measure from this disease is avoiding contact with infected blood, since it is a blood-borne disease.
Some ways by which you can prevent catching the disease are:
1. Do not share needles, syringes, drug solutions, water, cookers, pipes, straws for snorting drugs and other paraphernalia.
2. Only use fresh ink and single use, disposable needles for tattooing, body piercing, acupuncture, etc.
3. Sterilize all equipment, including the ink.
4. Wear latex gloves if contact with another person’s blood is likely
5. Practice safer sex,
6. In non-monogamous relationships or with new sexual partners, use condoms.
7. Sexual transmissions are rare in monogamous, long-term relationships
Hepatitis C is a major cause of chronic liver disease; from 10 to 20% of those who contact the disease develop cirrhosis of the liver over 20 t0 30 years.About 1-5 % die from the consequences of long term infections including liver cancer.
Hepatitis C, worldwide, has already infected about 170 million people. In Canada 242,500 people have been infected, and in 2007, 8,000 people have been newly infected.It has been noted that general public awareness of Hepatitis C in Canada is low. Little has been done to educate the general public especially people from diverse cultural, linguistic backgrounds. As a result, people maybe unaware that they have the disease and unknowingly transmit the virus. They do not take precautions to safeguard their health and often do not seek treatment even if they have contracted the virus.The above reasons have motivated the Canadian Ethnocultural Council to undertake this project of raising public awareness on Hepatitis C, most especially among people from countries that have 3% or higher prevalence of the disease.
The Philippines which is one of the top ten sources of immigrants to Canada, has been found to have 3-6% prevalence of Hepatitis C. In collaboration with the Canadian Liver Foundations, the project was launched. Contacts with the four aforementioned communities were made. Requests for representatives with health backgrounds and work experience were made. On September 19,2009 these representatives met in Ottawa for an orientation and training on how to make the presentation to their people. It was suggested that members of their respective communities who have leadership skills be invited to the presentations. They will in turn be expected to disseminate the information to family and friends. Lydia Bustamante represented the Filipinos in the Greater Toronto Area. About 60 people from all over Canada attended this session.
On September 29, 2009, the presentation on Information about Hepatitis C was held through the cooperation of the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians. Participants reacted very positively to the presentation. There was an active exchange of ideas and opinions on the subject. The majority was surprised to hear that one might be carrying the viruses for a long time without knowing about the dangers they may bring to their health.
It was emphasized during the exchange of questions, ideas and opinions that the danger of spreading the disease is greater these days because of the increased use of needles, pipes and straws in consuming dangerous drugs.It was further mentioned that cultural taboos about the disease may contribute to its spread. Individuals associated with drug abuse may experience shame and isolation and become reluctant to access care, treatment or obtain more knowledge about it.
Members of the group agreed that the greatest challenge in disseminating the Hepatitis C information is to convince those who have done something that could put them at risk, even once or a long time ago, to go for testing if they carry the virus. Here are some of the reasons for one to be tested for Hepatitis C:
1. Anyone with symptoms or signs of Hepatitis C-nausea, fatigue, reduced appetite, jaundice, dark urine and abdominal pain,
2. Anyone who was born or has resided in countries where Hepatitis C is common – Egypt, Southern Italy, India, Pakistan, China, the Philippines and Vietnam.
3. Anyone particularly exposed to blood products, medical procedures or vaccinations in these countries.Testing for Hepatitis C is free. Just inform your family doctor if you suspect you may have the disease and you will be recommended for testing. There are several tests for Hepatitis C. Consult a health care provider who will request the appropriate test.
Remember: There is no vaccine at present but it can be treated and managed. Have yourself tested if you fear you have it.Note: All information provided about Hepatitis A, B and C came from the data provided by Canadian Ethnocultural Council.