The World Hepatitis Alliance estimates more than 350 million people globally live with viral hepatitis. About nine in ten of them are unaware of their diagnosis.
The Alliance is a global network of over 300 organizations working toward eliminating viral hepatitis and as we recognize World Hepatitis Day on July 28, there’s an element of urgency under the umbrella theme: “I Can’t Wait.”
The CUPS Liver Clinic
At CUPS, we provide services to help people be diagnosed and treated for chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B is treatable. Hepatitis C is actually curable!
The CUPS Health Clinic offers regular screening/testing for anyone who wishes, as well as free vaccinations to prevent hepatitis A & B and other diseases which are more common in people with chronic liver disease. The team of nurses, a pharmacist, a peer support worker, a research coordinator, and an infectious diseases specialist provide education, support, monitoring, and treatment.
The CUPS Liver Clinic has helped many at-risk Calgarians, including Mardi who originally had accepted that she would live with hepatitis C — and had for years — and then with treatment through CUPS, was cured within months.
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver and can be caused by different viruses: eg. Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis is a global health problem, which disproportionately affects people and communities that are underserved by health systems.
The good news is there is a way to prevent, manage and often cure hepatitis.
While it is an attainable goal, it is a lofty one. Right now, every 30 seconds, someone dies from a hepatitis-related illness.
However, it will take programs like the ones offered at CUPS to conquer it.
These vaccination, screening, testing and treatment programs help Calgarians most at-risk to access services to improve their health and their lives.
For more information, call the CUPS Liver Clinic to learn more about accessing the program at 403-991–1930.