News Release
1995-05
November 14, 1997
Federal government responds to the HIV/AIDS crisis among injection drug users in Vancouver
Vancouver, B.C. - Health Minister Allan Rock announced today that Health Canada will contribute $1 million to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic among injection drug users in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. In addition, Health Canada is coordinating a long-term federal response to the crisis.
The Vancouver/Richmond Health Board recently declared a health emergency due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among the estimated 6,000 to 10,000 injection drug users living in the Downtown Eastside. A recent study of 1,200 of those drug users found that 27 per cent tested positive for HIV -- the highest known rate of infection among injection drug users in the Western world.
"I am extremely concerned about the HIV/AIDS emergency in Vancouver," said Minister Rock. "My officials have been working closely with the B.C. Ministries of Health and Children and Families along with the regional health board to determine the most effective form of federal assistance to help resolve the crisis."
The Minister has also accepted an invitation to become a member of Vancouver's Coalition for Crime Prevention and Drug Treatment, which has been formed by Mayor Philip Owen. The coalition is working toward a safer city through more comprehensive policing, drug education, and improved alcohol detox and drug treatment facilities.
"As a result of representations from Vancouver area Liberal MPs, I have directed Health Canada to coordinate a long-term federal response to the crisis by chairing an inter-agency working group of federal departments and agencies," said Minister Rock. Discussions at the regional and national levels include Canadian Heritage, Correctional Service of Canada, Human Resources Development Canada, Western Economic Diversification, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Status of Women Canada, Justice Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and others.
"I am pleased that the federal government is contributing much needed resources to assist the Downtown Eastside residents in combatting this epidemic," said Hedy Fry, Secretary of State, Multiculturalism and Status of Women and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre.
In collaboration with the provincial, regional and municipal health authorities, Health Canada will designate resources to be used in such areas as the development of new models for delivering, coordinating and evaluating services and programs, the expansion of support for HIV prevention and care issues in the community, substance abuse programs and activities related to the health of Aboriginal people.
Health Canada has been a leader in the area of HIV/AIDS and substance abuse issue since 1989 when it initiated funding with provincial and territorial governments for needle exchange programs. Other initiatives include epidemiological studies, behavioural research, community action and treatment programs. The HIV/AIDS and Injection Drug Use National Action Plan, funded by Health Canada, was tabled earlier this year and recommends further approaches to address the epidemic.
"The issues in the Downtown Eastside extend to communities outside the Vancouver area," added Minister Rock. "What is learned here will be valuable in addressing this epidemic both nationally and internationally."
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Attachment: List of activities by Health Canada in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
Media Enquiries:
Derek Kent
Minister's Office
(613) 957-1515
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