21/07/2021
A new half-day training course on viral hepatitis, available to frontline staff working in services in Scotland, has been launched ahead of World Hepatitis Day on the 28th of July.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are blood borne viruses that that can cause inflammation of the liver and can lead to cancer and early death if left undiagnosed and untreated.
This free course, facilitated by Scottish Drugs Forum, aims to increase workers’, volunteers’ and community members’ understanding and knowledge of key issues related to viral hepatitis, with a main focus on hepatitis C.
Four sessions are currently scheduled, click the links below to register for a session. The course will be delivered online using Microsoft Teams and take place from 9.15am-1.00pm.
More dates will be released, you can check out the SDF training website to view upcoming sessions.
Lesley Bon, SDF’s Sexual Health, Blood Borne Virus and Harm Reduction Training Officer, said:
“We have developed this new course as hepatitis C remains a key health issue for people who inject drugs in Scotland. The course will allow participants to explore the range of prevention, testing and treatment options available for people living with or at risk of viral hepatitis.
“Participants will also discuss how they can contribute to elimination targets set by the Scottish Government.”
By the end of the training participants will be able to:
1. Recall transmission routes and prevention strategies for Hepatitis C and be able to describe the different testing methods and treatment options available.
2. Gain an understanding of the barriers people can face in accessing testing and treatment services for hepatitis C, and the different pathways available to remove these barriers.
3. Discuss the causes and effects of stigma experienced by people affected by hepatitis C.
4. Feel confident to be a part of the efforts to eliminate hepatitis C in Scotland by 2024.
Norma Westland, Programme Manager Hepatitis Scotland, said:
“This new course is being launched at the perfect time, coinciding with World Hepatitis Day on 28th of July, and raising the profile of viral hepatitis – which has not had the focus it needs during the Global Pandemic – as key staff and services have had to be diverted.
“This course enables participants to discuss some of the key barriers currently facing service users in accessing harm reduction, testing and treatment services.
“With this half day course, we hope to inspire staff to play a role in the elimination efforts – together we can eliminate hepatitis in Scotland.”
All SDF training courses can be booked by clicking here to access our training website.