Today, Canada is reinforcing its dedication to eliminating HIV as a public health issue by participating in the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich, Germany.
This conference gathers people living with HIV, those affected by it, and health professionals, creating a platform to share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned in the worldwide fight against HIV/AIDS. This year’s theme, “Putting People First,” highlights the importance of collaborating closely with people living with HIV and addressing solutions from the perspective of those most impacted.
In Canada, this includes tackling the social determinants of health and inequalities that worsen the disproportionately high rates of HIV in certain populations. Health needs can differ from community to community and from individual to individual, making investments in community-based initiatives crucial in the battle against HIV.
In 2022, Canada endorsed the global declaration on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), having been the first country to officially support the campaign in 2018. Since that time, Canada has incorporated the U=U principle into its programs and policies. This principle is founded on scientific evidence indicating that HIV cannot be transmitted through sexual activity if a person living with HIV is undergoing treatment and has an undetectable viral load. This message is vital in combating stigma and discrimination.
The Canadian government urges communities, organizations, and health professionals to raise awareness and weave the U=U message into their daily practices. It is critical for everyone to have inclusive, stigma-free environments where they can openly discuss their HIV status, learn about the benefits of treatment, and access the care they require.
On February 27, 2024, the Government of Canada launched the 2024–2030 Action Plan on Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections. This plan, created in consultation with community organizations, Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, researchers, health professionals, and people with lived experiences, aims to prevent new infections and mitigate the impacts of HIV and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). It focuses on enhancing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment efforts to reduce the health repercussions of STBBIs in Canada by 2030 and to fulfill global commitments: zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths. The plan’s priorities are evidence-driven and take into account current realities, including scientific advancements, social and structural determinants of health, the lasting effects of COVID-19, and emerging infectious diseases.
In partnership with various stakeholders, community organizations, and leaders, the Canadian government continues to prioritize people and promote culturally appropriate access to HIV testing, treatment, and care.
We encourage everyone to visit the Canada Pavilion to learn more about Canada’s initiatives in the fight against HIV.
Health Minister
The Honorable Mark Holland
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
The Honorable Ya’ara Saks
Source: Public Health Agency of Canada / CNW
Health Index Publication: 2024-07-22
Number of visits since publication: 30
Read on Index Santé:
Canada’s Commitment to Ending HIV as a Public Health Issue
Today, as part of its dedication to eliminating HIV as a public health problem, Canada is actively participating in the 25th International AIDS Conference in Munich, Germany. This significant event gathers individuals living with HIV, community representatives, and healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, best practices, and insights crucial in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
This year’s theme, “Putting People First,” highlights the necessity of collaborating with people living with HIV, focusing on solutions that stem from the experiences of those most affected. In Canada, this approach involves addressing the social determinants of health and tackling the inequities that contribute to the disproportionate incidence of HIV in specific populations.
Understanding HIV in the Canadian Context
Canada recognizes that health needs vary across communities. To effectively combat HIV, it is vital to invest in community-based projects that cater to the unique needs of diverse populations. Here are some key aspects of Canada’s strategy:
- Community Engagement: Involving local organizations and community leaders to foster targeted interventions.
- Educational Initiatives: Raising awareness about HIV prevention, treatment, and the importance of testing.
- Accessible Healthcare: Enhancing access to HIV testing and treatment through culturally competent services.
The U=U Initiative: A Game-Changer in HIV Treatment
In 2022, Canada supported the global declaration on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), reaffirming its commitment as the first country to officially endorse the campaign back in 2018. The U=U principle is grounded in scientific evidence that confirms individuals living with HIV can achieve undetectable viral loads through effective treatment, thus eliminating the risk of sexual transmission.
This message plays a crucial role in reducing stigma and preventing discrimination against those affected by HIV. The Canadian government strongly encourages communities, organizations, and healthcare professionals to:
- Promote awareness of the U=U message.
- Create inclusive environments where individuals feel safe discussing their HIV status.
- Provide access to treatment and care that aligns with the U=U principles.
Strategic Action Plan: 2024–2030
On February 27, 2024, the Government of Canada launched the 2024–2030 Action Plan on Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections. This plan was developed after extensive consultations with community organizations, Indigenous partners, healthcare providers, researchers, and individuals with lived experiences with HIV.
The primary goals of this comprehensive plan include:
- Preventing New Infections: Implementing effective strategies to reduce HIV transmission rates.
- Reducing Health Impacts: Mitigating the effects of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Canada.
- Global Commitment: Aligning with global targets of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths by 2030.
Focus Areas of the Action Plan
The 2024–2030 Action Plan prioritizes evidence-based strategies while considering:
- Scientific advancements in HIV treatment and prevention.
- Social and structural determinants of health affecting various communities.
- Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare access and service delivery.
| Priority Area | Key Action | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention Programs | Increase access to prevention technologies | Decrease new HIV infections |
| Community Engagement | Foster partnerships with local organizations | Build trust and improve healthcare access |
| Education and Awareness | Implement public campaigns on U=U | Reduce stigma and increase testing |
Culturally Appropriate Healthcare
Underlining Canada’s efforts in the fight against HIV, the government promotes culturally appropriate access to testing, treatment, and care. This approach involves collaboration with various partners and stakeholders, ensuring that all individuals receive the necessary support tailored to their cultural context and health needs.
Visit the Canada Pavilion
Visitors are encouraged to explore the Canada Pavilion at the International AIDS Conference to learn more about the country’s ongoing initiatives and strategies in the fight against HIV. Engaging with these resources can empower communities, enhance knowledge, and inspire collective action towards the goal of eliminating HIV as a public health issue.
health-minister">Health Minister: L’honorable Mark Holland
health-minister">Minister of Mental Health and Addictions: The Honorable Ya’ara Saks
Health Index Publication: 2024-07-22
Number of visits since publication: 30
Read on Index Santé:
