Public Health Agency of Canada announces federal support to help eliminate HIV in Newfoundland and Labrador

ST. JOHN'S, Dec. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - HIV/AIDS remains a persistent health issue in Canada and around the world. In Canada, an estimated 65,000 people are living with HIV and AIDS and there are approximately 2,500 new HIV infections every year. Canada has made great progress in addressing HIV/AIDS in the last three decades; however, there is still work to do to reach the goal of eliminating AIDS as a global public health threat by 2030.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament, announced an investment of $1.15 million over five years from the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund for the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador. The funding will be used to implement prevention programs through education and social media outreach to reduce the number of new infections among key at-risk populations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The project will also help build the capacity of health care providers to help people living with HIV or hepatitis C remain in care and experience the full benefits of available treatments.

Quotes

"Our government is committed to eliminating HIV and AIDS as global public health threats. The important research and community-based projects like the ones put in place by the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador reflect our renewed focus on supporting evidence-based prevention, reducing stigma and discrimination, and increasing access to testing and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections."

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health

"Our Government is proud to support the important work being done by the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador. We will continue to collaborate with our partners to support evidence-based prevention, reduce stigma and discrimination, and increase access to testing and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections."

Nick Whalen
Member of Parliament for St. John's East

Quick Facts

• The Community Action Fund is focused on supporting community-based initiatives that have the potential to make the greatest impact in slowing the spread of HIV and hepatitis C.
• The HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund is providing funding for 84 projects involving 122 organizations across Canada for up to five years. This represents an investment of $26.4 million annually. Through targeted prevention interventions focused on priority populations in Canada, these projects will help to prevent HIV, hepatitis C and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
• Based on available data in Canada, an estimated 80% of HIV-infected people have been diagnosed, 76% of those diagnosed are on treatment, and 89% of those on treatment have suppressed viral loads.
• The LGBTQ community, indigenous communities and intravenous drug users are some of the groups most at-risk of transmitting HIV, and the CAF programs aim to address the needs of these groups.
• With increased access to antiretroviral treatment, people living with HIV today can live fuller and healthier lives.

Associated Links

HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund
HIV and AIDS
Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

Thierry Bélair, Office of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983