Epidemiology of Chronic Hepatitis C in First Nations Populations in Canadian Prairie Provinces

Current structural barriers experienced by First Nations in Canada shape access and engagement for testing and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. This non-systematic informative review considers transdisciplinary perspectives, regional data and published literature connecting context to the disproportionate HCV burden experienced by First Nations populations in the prairie provinces of Canada, and offers examples of participatory and community-led initiatives working toward the elimination of HCV as a public health threat. First Nations in Canada are disproportionately impacted by chronic HCV infection, with a reported rate of newly diagnosed HCV cases in First Nations communities six times the respective rate in the general Canadian population in 2022. This review explores the reasons underlying the disproportionate burden of HCV infection. Significant over-representation of First Nations in the Canadian Prairies is seen in the major risk categories for HCV acquisition and the impact of these risk factors is aggravated by barriers accessing healthcare services and medication coverage. These barriers stem from the legacy of colonialism, discrimination, disenfranchisement, and are exacerbated by stigmatization, victimization and racism in the justice and healthcare systems. Other contributory factors that impede access to care include inadequate healthcare clinic staffing and infrastructure in First Nations communities, and significant geographical distances between First Nations reserves and laboratories, pharmacies and treating/prescribing healthcare providers. Recent recognition of historical harms and early steps towards nation-to-nation reconciliation along with support for culturally connected, wholistic and First Nations-led wellness programs instill hope that elimination strategies to eradicate HCV infection in First Nations populations will be successful in Canada.