After the postponement of the World Indigenous People’s Conference on Viral Hepatitis (WIPCVH), due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a mini-virtual conference will be held today (Tuesday) in it’s place.

Dr. Alexandra King, Cameco Chair in Indigenous Health and Wellness, for the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan ,is hosting the conference that aims to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting viral hepatitis care for Indigenous people. She says the conference will explore how the novel coronavirus is causing increased problems for people to get medical services for viral hepatitis and how it’s affected harm reduction, prevention and immunization. King states this is especially relevant in Saskatchewan where Indigenous people are seven times more likely to contract Hepatitis C.

King suggests it’s important to meet and learn from Indigenous healthcare experts and leaders, as Indigenous sovereignty has meant communities are taking control over their health and safety, resulting in some really innovative responses to the pandemic. She explains this includes a variety of opportunities in rural and remote areas through virtual care.

The WIPCVH was to be held in Saskatoon in September, but was postponed to June of 2022.
The mini-conference will be held at 3 p.m.Tuesday and will feature Indigenous healthcare experts, Elders and people with lived experience with viral hepatitis.

To find out how to sign up go here.