November 25, 2005

News Release

Health Canada announces funding for the AIDS 2006 Conference in Toronto

Ottawa - To mark the start of Canadian HIV/AIDS Awareness Week, Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State (Public Health), announced today that Health Canada is providing $1.5 million to the International AIDS Society for the XVI International AIDS Conference, to take place in Toronto in August 2006. This contribution will be directed toward the core costs of the conference including the Conference’s Scholarship Programme for Canadian Residents.

The Conference is expected to bring over 18,000 delegates to Toronto, creating a unique opportunity for scientific, government and community leaders from around the world to advance the collective response to the epidemic.

"It is time to look forward to Canada and Toronto hosting the AIDS 2006 conference, which offers a tremendous opportunity to reinforce our commitment to important efforts to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic," said Minister Bennett. "It is also an opportunity for us to demonstrate our Canadian leadership and to learn from the experiences of others. Most importantly, AIDS 2006 is an opportunity to show leadership in fostering an environment where real progress is possible in stopping the spread of HIV and ridding the world of AIDS." In addition to the $1.5 million, the Government of Canada will be looking at other opportunities to support Canadian participation as the Conference draws nearer.

In Canada and around the world, the number of people with HIV continues to rise, expanding the impact of HIV/AIDS. The number of people living with HIV globally has reached its highest level yet, with an estimated 40.3 million people today compared to an estimated 37.5 million in 2003. In 2002, it was estimated that approximately 56,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS in Canada, an increase of 12% since 1999.

The Government of Canada acknowledges that addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic and its root causes is the only way to bring it to an end. In January 2005, the Government of Canada launched the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, which is aiming to:

• Prevent the acquisition and transmission of new infections;
• Slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life;
• Reduce the social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS; and
• Contribute to the global effort to reduce the spread of HIV and mitigate the impact of the disease.

Health Canada, in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada, is responsible for coordinating the Global Engagement component of the Federal Initiative. This Component focuses on establishing a strong and coherent health sector response to fulfill Canada’s international commitments and to contribute to global efforts to address HIV/AIDS.

Minister Bennett recognizes the recent completion of Leading Together: Canada Takes Action on HIV/AIDS (2005-2010), a blueprint for all sectors of Canadian society. This document is the result of the contributions of hundreds of individuals, communities and organizations committed to fighting against, and stopping, HIV/AIDS.

Leading Together (www.leadingtogether.ca) lays out the optimal, ideal response to HIV/AIDS in Canada, one that involves the collaboration of community, research, governments at all levels and people living with or at risk of HIV infection. It sets out pan-Canadian targets, desired outcomes and challenges us to make more strategic decisions about how to use our resources.

"It is hoped that Leading Together will play a role in encouraging all sectors of society to become engaged in realizing our collective vision, that by 2010 the end of the epidemic is in sight," Minister Bennett said. "Canadian HIV/AIDS Awareness Week is a time to acknowledge those affected by HIV/AIDS and to raise awareness of the disease," the Minister noted.

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Media Inquiries:

Tricia Geddes
Office of Minister Bennett
Minister of State (Public Health)
(613) 948-8528

Health Canada
Media Relations
(613) 957-2983