How can Ontario implement hepatitis C RNA point-of-care testing?
Presented in partnership with the Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap Ontario
This webinar offers an overview of hepatitis C RNA point‑of‑care (POC) testing in Ontario, which received Health Canada approval in 2025. It explores implementation experiences, barriers and strategies to accessing testing and key policy considerations. Invited speakers share insights and lessons learned from Ontario programs already using hepatitis C RNA POC testing with priority populations.
Despite the availability of highly effective curative treatments, hepatitis C remains a significant public health concern in Ontario and across Canada. A major gap persists between initial screening and confirmation of active infection, as traditional RNA testing often requires multiple visits and can result in loss to follow‑up, particularly among those with unequal access to healthcare.
Moderator: Xiaojian Wang, CATIE
Speakers:
- Mia Biondi, York University, Viral Hepatitis Care Network
- Guillaume Fontaine, McGill University
- Madison Kennedy, CATIE
- Michael Bryant, London InterCommunity Health Centre
- Olivia Feys, London InterCommunity Health Centre
- Andrea Ward, London InterCommunity Health Centre
- Katie Connolly, South Riverdale Community Health Centre
- Douglas Belanger, South Riverdale Community Health Centre
CATIE is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Health to deliver hepatitis C information and education for service providers in Ontario.