Testing encouraged for people at risk for Hepatitis C

The All Nations Hope Network in Regina teamed up with AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan for a special event Thursday to raise awareness and encourage testing for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C, a virus, affects the liver and — left untreated — can lead to serious health problems.

Wes Keewatin, who works with at-risk people at the All Nations Hope Network, has first-hand experience living with Hepatitis C for almost 20 years.

"It is manageable and it is curable," Keewatin said. "But there are strict treatments to follow."

He added that getting tested for the virus is important.

"Getting tested can really make somebody feel, you know, like sure of themselves," he said. "Because if you do get a positive test you can be helped. You know it is not a death sentence."

Keewatin noted that a lot of infections come through shared needles by injection drug users.