Canada's Report on HIV/AIDS
2002 Lessons Learned: Reframing the Response
Message from the Minister
It is not only on World AIDS Day 2002 that we should
reflect on the state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, both in Canada and internationally,
but certainly this day calls to our attention the need to continue to
do more, to contemplate the challenges that lie ahead and evaluate our
successes.
As described in this annual report, progress is being made. We have a
solid infrastructure for addressing the epidemic in Canada and for cooperating
with partners abroad. Much good work has already been done, but the challenges
ahead are significant.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Canada grows more complex each
day. At-risk populations are difficult to reach and continue to face stigma,
marginalization, prejudice and discrimination. These populations include
individuals who inject drugs, sex trade workers, prisoners, gay men, as
well as women and children from HIV-endemic countries. As well, there
are complicated links between HIV, other sexually transmitted infections
and hepatitis C. HIV/AIDS treatments that showed promise some years ago
are now failing, and we are not achieving a sustained reduction in HIV
transmission. Even with the knowledge and resources we have at hand in
Canada, about 4 200 new HIV infections occur in this country each year.
The Government of Canada's commitment to combat HIV/AIDS
is steadfast. The Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS (CSHA) is a comprehensive,
pan-Canadian response to the epidemic that respects the values of social
justice. Working with CSHA partners here and abroad, the Government of
Canada is more resolved than ever to reducing the spread of HIV, ensuring
care, treatment and support for people living with HIV/AIDS, finding a
cure for AIDS, and ensuring that government policy takes into account
the importance of protecting human rights.
We have learned much during the first five years of implementing
the CSHA – lessons that will help galvanize future efforts. These
efforts include those required for the United Nations General Assembly
Special Session on HIV/AIDS Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS. Also,
a strategic plan is being developed collectively by all CSHA partners
that will carry us forward and enable Canada to more effectively respond
to the challenges that lie ahead. As Minister of Health, I remain committed
to strengthening Canada's response to this epidemic.
Canadians need to be part of the solution, and
I hope that reading this report will encourage you to join these efforts.
One individual at a time, one community at a time, across the country,
we can make a difference.
A. Anne McLellan
Minister of Health
November 2002
Message from the Ministerial Council on HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a devastating disease that affects all Canadians
and all sectors of society. The Ministerial Council on HIV/AIDS endorses
a pan-Canadian response and is working to broaden the engagement of federal
government departments, to enhance links with provincial/territorial counterparts,
and to ensure the active participation of those living with or at risk
of HIV/AIDS.
Like many other Canadians, the Ministerial Council is
aware of the frightening magnitude of the global epidemic. Equally disturbing
is recent evidence about changing Canadian perceptions of the disease.
AIDS is no longer widely viewed as an urgent public policy or health issue.
This in spite of the fact that the epidemic continues to take a heavy
toll on men who have sex with men and injection drug users and is increasingly
spreading to include those infected through heterosexual transmission.
The Ministerial Council is well positioned to advise
the federal Minister of Health on pan-Canadian aspects of HIV/AIDS. Its
membership encompasses all aspects of the epidemic, including people living
with HIV/AIDS, front-line workers, health care providers, researchers
and human rights experts.
Over the past year, Council has helped to increase the
knowledge and awareness of determinants of health issues among federal
departments. It has also advised the Minister on the legal and human rights
questions raised by the proposed Blood Samples Act, the medical use of
marijuana and issues related to women, gay men, injection drug users,
Aboriginal people, and African and Caribbean people from HIV-endemic countries.
As well, it continued to highlight the urgent and growing need for increased
funding for the CSHA.
We fully endorse the UNAIDS slogan for World AIDS
Day – "Live and let live." This slogan focusses on stigma
and discrimination, which are contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS in
Canada and around the world. It brings home the fact that all Canadians
are affected by HIV/AIDS, and we all need to be part of a strengthened
response. To this end, the Ministerial Council will continue to work with
the Minister of Health to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS
and to more fully engage political leaders, government departments, non-governmental
organizations, the private sector and individual Canadians in a human
rights-based response to this epidemic.
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