Ottawa – December 1 marks World AIDS Day and the beginning of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week. We remember those we lost to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and recognize the strength and resilience of those living with HIV. This year’s global theme “Let Communities Lead” acknowledges the fundamental role that community organizations play in supporting those at risk of, or affected by, HIV.
The Government of Canada supports this vital work and invests more than $33 million annually through the HIV and Hepatitis C Community Action Fund and the Harm Reduction Fund. These investments help community-based organizations provide critical HIV services and supports projects that can make the greatest impact through targeted evidence-based help.
Stigma and discrimination remains a harsh reality for those living with HIV. During the 24th International AIDS Conference held in Montreal, Quebec, in August 2022, Canada proudly endorsed the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) global declaration. U=U recognizes the scientific evidence that HIV is not passed on when a person living with HIV is on treatment and the amount of HIV in their blood remains very low. U=U means hope. It means anyone living with HIV who is on treatment can live long and healthy lives.
Testing is a critical part of the treatment process, which is why the Government of Canada promotes culturally safe community-led models to increase testing in remote, rural and northern areas. Following Health Canada’s historic approval of HIV self-testing kits in 2020, community-based organizations have also played a crucial role in getting HIV self-test kits in the hands of undiagnosed people across the country and connecting them to health resources. On August 1, 2022, the Government of Canada announced $17.9 million in funding to improve access to testing, including $8 million to community-based organizations to support their capacity to distribute and promote HIV self-tests and link people to care. Self-test kits are an important tool for combatting the stigma and discrimination that present barriers to care. They offer a safe, reliable, anonymous and confidential way for people to determine their infection status.
To reduce the risk of HIV transmission, we encourage you to speak with your doctor about the different prevention methods available to you. This includes the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), preventative medications that people who don’t have HIV can take to prevent them from getting HIV, as well as the consistent and correct use of condoms, and regular testing for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
In alignment with this year’s theme, Indigenous communities must also be at the core of our efforts to address elevated HIV rates; initiatives should be rooted in Indigenous-led, culturally safe care and knowledge. Working with Indigenous communities, the Government of Canada has provided funding for HIV and AIDS related projects for First Nations and Inuit living in remote and isolated communities. Projects like these are essential to addressing the unique health needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. We will continue to collaborate with Indigenous Peoples and organizations as we work to reduce transmission rates, and increase access to testing.
Today, we thank all the communities and organizations that work tirelessly to support people living with HIV. We also acknowledge the advancement in science that supports U=U to help address stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV. By working together, we can put an end to HIV as a public health concern.
#WorldAIDSDay
#IndigenousAIDSAwarenessWeek
Mark Holland, Minister of Health
Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services of Canada