Scotiabank in Toronto has announced a C$1.35 million ($1 million) gift to the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation to fund Montréal sans HépC, a program that aims to eliminate hepatitis C in Montreal through community-based advocacy and health care. 

Viral hepatitis is one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, affecting 58 million people worldwide. In Canada, hepatitis C reduces life expectancy more than any other infectious disease, including HIV. The program aims to make Montreal one of the first cities in the world to stop the transmission of the infection.

Led by Marina Klein, research director of the Division of Infectious Diseases and the Chronic Viral Illness Service at MUHC; Julie Bruneau, drug addiction clinical scientist at the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal; and Christina Greenaway, professor of medicine at McGill University and a leader in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Jewish General Hospital, the initiative has partnered with 16 community organizations to create grassroots interventions tailored to underserved, at-risk groups, including Indigenous communities, immigrants, prisoners, people experiencing homelessness, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs. 

“We are proud to invest in life-changing health initiatives that help to break through the barriers that keep people in our communities from reaching their full potential,” said Meigan Terry, Scotiabank senior vice president and chief sustainability, social impact, and communications officer. “Through ScotiaRISE, we are pleased to take part in supporting the McGill University Health Centre Foundation and Montréal sans HépC to advance this innovative community-based advocacy and healthcare initiative.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/People Images)