Canada's Report on HIV/AIDS 2002

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Lessons Learned: Reframing the Response

HIV/AIDS affects all Canadians and all sectors of society. Canada's Report on HIV/AIDS 2002 is intended to inform the HIV/AIDS community, the Canadian public and others about the current realities of HIV/AIDS, about progress that has been made in Canada in responding to the epidemic, and about the challenges that lie ahead.

The Human Face of HIV/AIDS

The story of HIV/AIDS in Canada is about much more than infection statistics, funding allocations, programs and policies. It is first and foremost a story of people. To better represent the reality of HIV/AIDS in Canada, Health Canada interviewed four Canadians involved in the domestic response. Their personal experiences and perceptions are presented in short feature articles intended to put a face to this disease.

It is also important to remember that volunteers are integral to the activities of Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS (CSHA) partners and AIDS service organizations (ASOs) throughout the year. For example, some CAS member organizations are completely volunteer-based, while other ASOs integrate volunteers into their daily work. In 2001-2002, volunteers donated more than 10 000 hours of service to the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, compared to 7 400 hours the previous year.

Current Realities

In Canada, an estimated 49 800 people were living with HIV or AIDS at the end of 1999. While many infected individuals are living longer, healthier lives, and the rate of deaths from AIDS and AIDS-related illnesses has declined, Canada's HIV/AIDS epidemic has evolved in unforeseen and alarming ways.
Most disturbing is the fact that the virus continues to spread. Despite evidence that Canadians generally have a good understanding of modes of HIV transmission, risk factors and prevention options, about 4 200 new infections occur in Canada each year. Although men who have sex with men and injection drug users continue to be hit hardest by the epidemic, HIV/AIDS is increasingly spreading through heterosexual transmission.

Many Challenges Lie Ahead

As demonstrated in this report, through the CSHA and other initiatives, Canadians are making a difference, at home and around the world. At the same time, the report acknowledges the many challenges before us. Stigma, marginalization, prejudice and discrimination continue to be associated with HIV/AIDS.
Recapturing a sense of urgency and maintaining HIV/AIDS as an important health and public policy issue is a priority for Health Canada and its partners in the CSHA. With this in mind, stakeholders are committed to rejuvenating Canada's response and to seeking greater engagement on all fronts.

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