What's New

Solicitations for ACAP funding for 2008-2009

The Government of Canada acknowledges and respects the critical role that front-line organizations play in addressing HIV and AIDS. Without their efforts, the Canadian epidemic would be inflicting far greater damage than it is currently. To help support this work, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) will be investing over $24 million over the next two years in the AIDS Community Action Program. PHAC is investing $12.1 million in ACAP this fiscal year and will invest the same amount next fiscal year as well. This is an increase of over $2 million per year over last year's community-based funding.

Of the $12.1 million for this fiscal year, $9.5 million has already been awarded and is supporting important work to help people living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. The remaining $2.6 million will be available for HIV and AIDS community-based projects in those regions with currently uncommitted funds (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic). Solicitation processes for these funds are now ongoing. Please contact your regional liason (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/aids-sida/funding/index-eng.php#rf) for more information.

We are also pleased to announce that the funding deadline will be extended to March 31, 2010. This will enable new projects to plan their activities and PHAC staff to request extensions for existing projects, based on sound goals, planed outcomes and value for money. This process will be underway by the Fall of 2008.

PHAC Continues to Emphasize Safer Sex for Preventing HIV Transmission

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to emphasize that sexually active people should practise safer sex, which includes using condoms consistently and correctly with their sex partners.

An article recently published by Switzerland’s Federal Commission for HIV/AIDS states that HIV-positive individuals on effective antiretroviral therapy may not be at risk for transmitting HIV to their sexual partners under certain circumstances, specifically no detectable viral load and the absence of other sexually transmitted infections. In the same article, the Commission acknowledges that there are no scientific data indicating that the risk of transmission in these circumstances is zero. The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to emphasize that sexually active people should practise safer sex, which includes using condoms consistently and correctly with their sex partners.

• CPHO statement on HIV/AIDS funding
• Memorandum of Understanding between Government of Canada and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Pilot Scale HIV Vaccine Manufacturing Facility in Canada for Clinical Trial Lots