Prevent Hepatitis: It’s Up To You – Get Tested
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON (July 28, 2015) In honour of World Hepatitis Day, Pauktuutit will be joining organizations and community groups across the world to raise public awareness about hepatitis B and C, two forms of life-threatening liver disease. This year’s theme is Prevent Hepatitis: It’s up to you – Get Tested.
On Tuesday, July 28, Ottawa organizations and community groups will be hosting a barbecue at Marion Dewar Plaza from 12:00 pm -2:00 pm. There will be free food, games, prizes, and lots of information on liver health, nutrition, testing and treatment. Everyone is welcome.
World Hepatitis Day is an annual event that each year provides international focus for patient groups and people living with hepatitis B and C. It is an opportunity for interested groups to raise awareness and influence positive change in disease prevention and access to testing and treatment.
Red Door Communications in the UK states that “500 million people globally live with either chronic hepatitis B or C. Whilst that’s higher than the prevalence of HIV or any cancer, the disease is hugely underfunded, with thousands remaining undiagnosed. On a personal level, the disease is too often ignored and shrouded in stigma.”
Pauktuutit’s hepatitis C project is focused on awareness and is the first step in the Inuit Five-Year Strategic Plan for Hepatitis C 2013-2018 (pauktuutit.ca/hepatitiscawareness).
President Rebecca Kudloo has previously noted that “We can identify the hepatitis risks in our community and teach ourselves about ways to prevent infection and support people living with hepatitis.” She continued by saying “Know the risks, and get tested.”
Contact:
Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
1-800-667-0749
senuaraq@pauktuutit.ca