Hep C and HIV coinfection in B.C. Is it out of control? An epidemic?

Hepatitis C and HIV coinfection is a reality growing out of control in British Columbia. Hep C (HCV) makes the HIV disease worse. HCV is transmitted through infected blood. HCV damages the liver. About 15% to 30% of people clear HCV from their bodies without treatment. The other 70% to 85% develop chronic infection, and the virus stays in their body unless it is successfully treated. For PHA’s, HCV can be more serious and make it harder to take ARVs. HCV and HIV coinfection slows down the rate of increase in CD4 cell counts during HIV treatment. A doctor who treats patients with HCV is criticizing the B.C. government for denying lifesaving treatment in what he terms a full-blown epidemic. “At best, I can say it is indifference to an epidemic of huge proportion. It is one of the most serious epidemics we are facing in our community today." B.C. Health Minister George Abbott disagrees. "I don't think its fair to say it's an epidemic," Abbott said. "Certainly Hep C is a very big challenge — that is why we are expending about $100 million annually in identifying preventing and treating Hep C when it occurs." Do you think B.C. is doing enough? Should we do more? What are your thoughts?