The Canadian HBV Network is committed to advancing Hepatitis B patient care, research and education. Through this, we hope to improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes for HBV patients in Canada and worldwide.
Please reach us at canhepb@ucalgary.ca if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Five important things you should know about hepatitis B
1. Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The virus is the number one global cause of severe liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
2. The hepatitis B virus is transmitted by direct (very close) contact with blood and certain body fluids of an infected person. Most people who have a chronic (or life-long infection) are infected as infants (transmitted during childbirth) or in early childhood.
3. Hepatitis B is a silent epidemic. Most people living with life-long hepatitis B have no symptoms. It is important that you ask your health care provider if you should get tested for hepatitis B. Testing is the only way to know if you have hepatitis B and whether you need treatment.
4. Hepatitis B is preventable. There is a vaccine that can protect you against hepatitis B. All babies should be vaccinated because very young infants are at the highest risk of developing a life-long infection if they are exposed.
5. Hepatitis B is treatable. There are very good drugs that cannot cure but they can help prevent development of severe liver disease. You can work in any occupation, have a family, and expect to enjoy a normal, long and healthy life. There is hope that someday we will find a cure for hepatitis B.
What to do if you have concerns about your liver health, hepatitis B status, or overall health
If you have concerns about your liver health, Hepatitis B status, or overall health, please see your Family Doctor. They are able to refer you to your local Infectious Disease, Gastroenterology or Hepatology Specialist.
Liver Canada
Liver Canada assists people coping with liver disease through a variety of channels; online, in person and via their National Help Line at 1 (800) 563-5483. They answer your questions after diagnosis, help you understand the disease, and provide you with the resources you need. Through their Peer Support Network, they can also connect you with others who have gone through the same experience.
Hepatitis B Foundation
The American-based Hepatitis B Foundation is a nonprofit organization that fosters scientific innovation to create a world free of hepatitis B and liver cancer. In October 2020, the Hepatitis B Foundation released its final report on the externally led patient-focused drug development meeting for hepatitis B. This meeting was an opportunity for patients to discuss the significant physical and emotional impact of living with hepatitis B, as well as major challenges with current treatment.
World Hepatitis Alliance
The World Hepatitis Alliance is an international network of organizations in over 100 countries working towards the goal of eliminating hepatitis by 2030. This group leads the fight against hepatitis through advocacy, capacity building and awareness raising.
Hep B Community
HepBcommunity.org is a global peer-led, volunteer-driven forum to support those living with and affected by hep B. It is supported by the Hepatitis B Foundation (USA) and Westmead Hospital Foundation (Australia).
CATIE
CATIE is Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information, and so much more!
They have a helpful Hepatitis B fact sheet on their website and a visual summary of Hepatitis B Basics.
Falling through the cracks
In “Falling Through the Cracks: How Stigma, Screening Gaps, and Inequitable Access to Care Are Failing Canadians with HDV,” Patient advocate Ravshan Yakubov, Canadian HBV Network member Dr. Carla Coffin and Action Hepatitis Canada executive director Jennifer van Gennip share patient perspectives highlighting how low awareness, delayed diagnosis, stigma, and unequal access to specialist care continue to leave many Canadians with hepatitis D underserved and at risk of poorer health outcomes.
behind the science: understanding canada's new guidelines
Canadian HBV Network member and Peer Support Group lead Dr. Hin Hin Ko discusses Canada's updated Hepatitis B guidelines with CATIE's Madison Kennedy
La Dre Hin Hin Ko, membre du Réseau canadien du VHB et responsable du groupe de soutien par les pairs, discute des lignes directrices canadiennes mises à jour sur l’hépatite B avec Madison Kennedy de CATIE
Hepatitis B in pregnancy
