Policy Response to Blood-Borne Pathogens in British Columbia

HIV/AIDS

On September 29, 2003 Priorities for Action in Managing the Epidemics: HIV/AIDS in British Columbia 2003-2007 was released. This directional policy document outlines provincial goals and sets priorities for responding to HIV/AIDS in BC and promotes a harm reduction approach to preventing the incidence of HIV and treating people with HIV/AIDS. Please visit Harm Reduction for more information.

The framework also recognizes that certain "social determinants of health" influence people's well-being.

Goals

Priorities for Action’s goals are to:

  • Reduce the incidence of HIV infection by 50% over the next five years;
  • Increase the proportion of HIV+ individuals who are linked to appropriate care, treatment and support services by 25% over the next five years;
  • Enhance the province’s capacity for monitoring the HIV epidemic over the next five years; and
  • Create and sustain broad-based support for the approach outlined in Priorities for Action.

Planning for Action

Local and Regional HIV/AIDS Services
Health authorities throughout the province are working with people living with HIV/AIDS, advocates and health and service agencies to develop HIV/AIDS health plans that will address the framework's goals and objectives within their jurisdictions. These plans will accommodate the transfer of community HIV/AIDS services to health authorities.

Federal/Provincial/Territorial Coordination

The Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport also participates on federal/provincial/territorial committees on HIV/AIDS and related issues, such as alcohol and other drug use, population health and justice. These connections help the Ministry remain up to date on the progress of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and prevention and treatment efforts throughout Canada and the world.

Viral Hepatitis

Healthy Pathways Forward: A Strategic Integrated Approach to Viral Hepatitis in BC was released in May 2007. Healthy Pathways provides a renewed provincial blueprint to complement, guide and support community and health authority efforts to address viral hepatitis in British Columbia. This framework is intended to focus provincial efforts to achieve the best prevention, care and treatment outcomes possible.

The framework’s vision - healthy pathways towards a hepatitis-free BC - is supported by a mission that aims to improve health and wellness by reducing vulnerability. Principles and values serve as tools for decision-makers. A roadmap for reducing the incidence and impact of viral hepatitis in British Columbia is contained in four strategic health system goals.

Goals

Health Pathways Forward’s goals are to:

  • Prevent new hepatitis infections and reduce the risk of those infected progressing to serious liver disease;
  • Enhance reach and engage vulnerable populations in the health promotion, prevention, care, treatment and support service continuum;
  • Strengthen the system’s capacity to respond; and
  • Create seamless service delivery.

 


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