About Us
Through evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies within our community.
To see an end to viral Hepatitis C. We envision a future where no one suffers from the preventable and curable burden of HCV infection.
Drive action to expand evidence-based and cost-effective prevention and treatment strategies within our community to meet the needs of all people at risk of viral hepatitis.
Our Role
Facilitate a highly skilled HCV outreach team that is respectful of and responsive to the needs of people at risk of or living with Hepatitis C.
Improve knowledge and awareness of Hepatitis C in priority populations and support prevention of transmission and engagement in testing and treatment.
Improve equitable access to successful preventative measures for all priority populations, with a focus on education to improve health literacy.
Implement innovative and effective patient testing and treatment approaches by systematically eliminating barriers to care.
Strengthen connections between priority populations, the healthcare workforce, and community organizations to facilitate coordination of care.
Implement initiatives to address stigma and discrimination and minimize the impact on health of people at risk of or living with Hepatitis C.
Build a strong evidence base for responding to Hepatitis C in Ontario informed by high-quality, timely data and surveillance systems.
Our Values
We respect every individual impacted by viral hepatitis and promote their right to health.
We use evidence to inform all of our work and strive for excellence in everything we do.
We are accountable for our work and the responsible use of resources entrusted to us.
Background
In 2016, the World Health Organization approved a global strategy for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a threat to public health by 2030. Since then, significant advances in treating viral hepatitis have been made, particularly in relation to Hepatitis C virus infection.
The introduction of anti-viral DAA (Direct-Acting Antiviral) therapy has changed the public health landscape. High cure rates along with negligible side effects, few contraindications, and shorter treatment durations have served to reduce the number of people living with the negative long-term consequences of HCV.
In Canada, the Pan-Canadian STBBI Framework for Action supports the WHO's global initiative and demonstrates a commitment to reducing the incidence of Hepatitis C through improved access to testing, treatment, and ongoing care.
Unfortunately, there remains a high residual burden of untreated Hepatitis C in marginalized patient populations across Canada, particularly in people who use drugs. The marginalization of this population has resulted in low primary care engagement. Socioeconomic factors such as low income, food scarcity, poverty, and unstable housing further disadvantage this population.
For many people with substance use disorders, their chief connection to health care is situated within community-based housing and shelter services. There is evidence to show that Hep C specific programs in these settings can effectively screen and link individuals to HCV care and treatment.
HCV infection is curable and together we can work at achieving the micro-elimination of Hep C in at-risk populations.
Leadership
Lead Physician, HCV Initiative
Dr. Venier leads our comprehensive approach to Hepatitis C elimination, bringing expertise in infectious disease management and a deep commitment to serving marginalized communities across Ontario.
Managing Director
Scott is dedicated to building meaningful connections with the communities we serve. He regularly engages with partner organizations, frontline workers, and individuals impacted by Hepatitis C to ensure our programs remain responsive, accessible, and grounded in real-world needs.