The Current State of the Epidemic:
Why We Need to Step Up
Our Efforts
At this stage in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Canada, there are 10 key reasons to step up our collective efforts.
- The epidemic is increasing
- People living with HIV have increasingly complex needs
- Too many people with HIV are not receiving, or are resistant to, treatment; and too many are dying
- Stigma and discrimination continue to threaten people with HIV and communities at risk
- Poverty, homelessness and other social determinants are fuelling the epidemic
- Misconceptions are leading to more risk taking and less support for services
- The global epidemic is devastating poorer countries and threatening richer ones
- Increased and sustainable funding sources are needed to keep pace with the epidemic
- Acting now will save the health system millions of dollars
- Acting now will save lives