Canada's Report on HIV/AIDS - 1999

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Introduction - Boundless Spirits in Motion

• AIDS: Far from over
• The Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS
• Program Components and Funding
• The Story of Champion

In combating the AIDS epidemic, new barriers arise to test the bounds of innovation and discovery. Canadians at home and internationally are challenging these new limits in the spirit of compassion and community. This report offers a closer look at the dynamic impact of this extraordinary spirit in action during this second year of the Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS (CSHA).

Canadians continue to experience the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS and are working harder than ever to address the complexities of the disease. Take a look behind the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada and you'll find the collective work of thousands on the front line. Emphasizing the power of collaborative efforts, the Strategy grew out of extensive consultations with volunteer and community groups, First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations, researchers, the private sector and the academic community, professional associations, health and social care providers and governments - and, most importantly, with individual Canadians living with HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS and those most at risk are at the core of the Strategy. Their voices help the development of Strategy programs and policies, and uphold the call for integrity and understanding as underlying values of the Strategy.

Grounded in principles of partnership, coordination, accountability and flexibility, the Strategy brings those living with HIV/AIDS closer to the treatment, support and information they need. Just as the AIDS epidemic crosses all social, economic and cultural boundaries, the Strategy covers the full complement of human experience. Strategy components address not only prevention and research but also human rights, housing, education and other vital life influencers. If education is the first line in public awareness, the front line of defence against HIV is prevention - the commanding force behind all Strategy initiatives.  

To remain vigilant about this complex disease, the Strategy invites an interdisciplinary and integrated approach, one that reflects rapid changes in treatment and tracks disease movements into at-risk populations. Strategy programs are coordinated from the ground up. Community development programs are guided by defined community needs; public health concerns trigger future advances. Insights collected from front-line caregivers have a direct impact on program directions and on policy guidelines at the ministerial level.

The Strategy builds on more than 15 years of HIV/AIDS research, surveillance and community development. As experience and knowledge accumulate, the Strategy remains flexible enough to forge new associations and firm enough to establish precise, proactive solutions in the fight against AIDS.

Since Canada's first case of AIDS in 1982, improved treatment has resulted in a significant decrease in newly diagnosed AIDS cases. But the epidemic is far from over. AIDS remains a progressive and life-threatening disease. The Strategy will allow us to continue to develop effective therapies and treatments for more than 40,000 Canadians living with HIV/AIDS.

Reduced numbers of HIV diagnoses over the past few years offer reason for some encouragement, but there still exists a need for vigilance. New infections continue to occur and there are between 12,000 and 18,000 Canadians who are infected with HIV but unaware of their status.

To maintain an effective balance of research and responsiveness, the Strategy is structured to face current needs of at-risk populations and to ensure preparedness for those who will be impacted by HIV/AIDS in the future.

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