Canada to invest $8.5 million in harm reduction projects for HCV, HIV

The Canadian Minister of Health announced that the Government of Canada will fund 28 projects across the country designed to reduce the risk for bloodborne infections, such as hepatitis C and HIV, among people who use injection drugs, according to a press release.

“Community organizations do important work to reduce hepatitis C and HIV infections among people who share drug-use equipment,” Ginette Petitpas Taylor, PC, MP, Minister of Health in Canada, said in the release. “This funding will help communities prevent these infections and support the health and well-being of those at risk.”

The Public Health Agency of Canada will invest $8.5 million for the projects as part of the agency’s overall investment of $30 million over 5 years through the Harm Reduction Fund.

The projects will be based in communities with high-risk behaviors and include frontline interventions, educational resources for PWIDs, peer-based outreach services and training for health providers.

Between 2019 and 2022, annual solicitations will be held to allow organizations across the country to apply for funding for time-limited harm reduction projects.

“Interventions by community-based organizations are essential for helping local populations that have high rates of hepatitis C and HIV. Reducing the rates of these and other sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections, which are largely preventable infections, is one of my priorities,” Theresa Tam, chief public health officer of Canada, said in the release. “By meeting the specific needs of individuals who share drug-use equipment, we will help them lead healthier lives.”

Reference: www.canada.ca