Populations at risk

Focussing on populations at risk

The Federal Government of Canada has committed through the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada to develop discrete approaches to addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic for eight specific target populations:

• people living with HIV/AIDS
• gay men
• injection drug users
• Aboriginal Peoples
• prison inmates
• youth at risk
• women at risk and
• people from countries where HIV is endemic

Why focus on populations at risk?

The populations-specific approach results in evidence-based, culturally appropriate responses that are better able to address the realities that contribute to infection and poor health outcomes for the target groups. Population-specific approaches also allow people at risk of infection and those living with HIV/AIDS to directly shape policies and programs that affect them.

People living with HIV/AIDS Factsheet

The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada is the federal government's domestic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The federal government is committed to addressing the epidemic by developing, in concert with those affected or at risk, approaches for specific populations. Population-specific approaches will be grounded in the concepts of social justice and determinants of health. They will engage those living with, and vulnerable to, HIV as partners in shaping policies and practices affecting their lives.

People living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) are from all ages, all walks of life and all socio-economic strata of society.

Advances in treatments available to PHAs have significantly increased life expectancy of people with this fatal disease. However, PHAs have increasingly complex needs as HIV/AIDS affects people's emotional and physical health, quality of life, finances, independence and self esteem.

What Are The Numbers?

• At the end of 2005, an estimated 58,000 people were living with HIV (including AIDS), a 16% increase from the estimate for 2002.
• In 2005, approximately 27% of people with HIV were unaware of their infection.¹
• An estimated 51% of all infections at the end of 2005 were attributed to men who have sex with men (MSM), 17% to injection drug users (IDUs), 27% to heterosexuals, 4% to MSM/IDUs and the remaining to other exposures categories.
• As of 2005, approximately 21,000 people have died with an HIV or AIDS infection in Canada.
• A significant number of individuals living with HIV have a co-infection with the hepatitis C virus.

What Is The Federal Initiative Doing? For Example:

In 2005, the Federal Initiative made a strategic shift to focus on vulnerable populations. As part of a basic orientation process, a framework for population-specific work is being developed to guide future action. Status reports on each vulnerable population are being developed to compile evidence including current epi-surveillance data; research; current responses including funded projects, initiatives, networks and strategies; and lived experiences. This work will build upon existing work and be undertaken in collaboration with the population.

PHAs play an important role advising the Minister of Health on important issues that have an impact on HIV/AIDs in Canada. The Minister of Health's Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS has 5 designated seats for PHAs, with one being for the co-chair.

The Specific Populations HIV/AIDS Initiative Fund will address national policy and program priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS andthose populations most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Canada, including PHAs.

Through its community programming, including the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provides support for community based organizations to deliver local prevention, care and support services to all people living with HIV/AIDS.

In 2005, the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network released A Plan of Action for Canada to Reduce HIV/AIDS-related Stigma and Discrimination.

References:

1. Boulos D, Yan P, Schanzer D, Remis RS and Archibald C. Estimates of HIV prevalence and incidence in Canada, 2005. Can Commun Dis Rep 2006; 32(15) : 165-174.

Men who have Sex With Men Factsheet

The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada is the federal government's domestic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The federal government is committed to addressing the epidemic by developing, in concert with those affected or at risk, approaches for specific populations. Population-specific approaches will be grounded in the concepts of social justice and determinants of health. They will engage those living with, and vulnerable to, HIV/AIDS as partners in shaping policies and practices affecting their lives.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) is a term to define a behaviour through which HIV is transmitted sexually between gay, bisexual, and Two Spirited men.

In Canada, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has had a tremendous impact on MSM. At the end of 2005, an estimated 58,000 people in Canada were living with HIV infection (including AIDS) and of these, approximately 51% resulted from men having sex with men. This population still accounts for the largest number of reported HIV and AIDS diagnoses.

What Are The Numbers?

• At the end of 2005, men who have sex with men (MSM) accounted for 76.3% of cumulative reported AIDS cases among adult males.¹
• Since 1985, MSM accounted for 68.8% of positive HIV test reports among adult males.¹
• In 2005, MSM accounted for an estimated 45% of all new infections in Canada.²
• In 2004, the reported rate of infectious syphilis among males was more than 15 times higher than in 1997, indicating increased risk of exposure to HIV.³

What Is The Federal Initiative Doing? For Example:

In 2005, the Federal Initiative made a strategic shift to focus on vulnerable populations. As part of a basic orientation process, a framework for population-specific work is being developed to guide future action. Status reports on each vulnerable population are being developed to compile evidence including current epi-surveillance data; research; current responses including funded projects, initiatives, networks and strategies; and lived experiences. The status report for men who have sex with men (gay men) and HIV/AIDS will be released in early 2007.

The Specific Populations HIV/AIDS Initiative Fund will address national policy and program priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS and those populations most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Canada, including MSM.

Through its community programming, including the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provides support for community based organizations to deliver local prevention, care and support services to all people living with HIV/AIDS and those vulnerable to HIV infection.

Primary Researchers across the country are collaborating with PHAC on sentinel surveillance behaviour studies (M-Track) to better understand risk behaviour over time for MSM. This will take place in 4 sites across Canada.

References:

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. HIV and AIDS in Canada. Surveillance report to December 31, 2005. Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006.
2. Boulos D, Yan P, Schanzer D, Remis RS and Archibald C. Estimates of HIV prevalence and incidence in Canada, 2005. Can Commun Dis Rep 2006; 32(15) : 165-174.
3. Public Health Agency of Canada. 2004 Canadian Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Report: Pre-Release. Cited on June 26, 2006. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/stddata_pre06_04/index.html

People who Use Injection Drugs Factsheet

The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada is the federal government's domestic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The federal government is committed to addressing the epidemic by developing, in concert with those affected or at risk, approaches for specific populations. Population-specific approaches will be grounded in the concepts of social justice and determinants of health. They will engage those living with, and vulnerable to, HIV as partners in shaping policies and practices affecting their lives.

According to the Canadian Addiction Survey (2003-04), 269,000 people in Canada reported injecting drugs, including steroids, in 2002 (up from 132,000 in 1994 and estimates of 75,000-125,000 in 1998). While commonly viewed as a big city problem, more small towns and rural communities are reporting increased drug use. Although the number of new HIV infections among Injection Drug Users (IDU's) appears to be decreasing, the issue of HIV among IDUs in Canada continues to be a serious problem that requires ongoing attention.

What Are The Numbers?

• At the end of 2005, an estimated 58,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS: 17% were attributed to IDU; 4% to men who have sex with men who are also IDUs (MSM-IDU).¹
• An estimated 2,300 to 4,500 new infections occurred in 2005 and 14% of these were attributed to IDU which is a decrease from 19% estimated for 2002.
• An estimated 53% of all new HIV infections among Aboriginal people in 2005 were attributed to injecting drug use.
• Approximately 67% of offenders in federal prisons have substance abuse problems. For approximately 20% of these offenders, the problem is serious and requires substantial treatment.

What Is The Federal Initiative Doing? For Example:

In 2005, the Federal Initiative made a strategic shift to focus on vulnerable populations. As part of a basic orientation process, a framework for population-specific work is being developed to guide future action. Status reports on each vulnerable population are being developed to compile evidence including current epi-surveillance data; research; current responses including funded projects, initiatives, networks and strategies; and lived experiences. This work will build upon existing work and be undertaken in collaboration with the population.

The Specific Populations HIV/AIDS Initiative Fund will support organizations and agencies in addressing national policy and program priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS and those populations most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Canada, that increases the prevention of infection of HIV for IDUs.

Through its community programming, including the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provides support for community based organizations to deliver local prevention, care and support services to all people living with HIV/AIDS, including people who use intravenous drugs, and those vulnerable to HIV infection.

Primary Researchers across the country are collaborating with PHAC on sentinel surveillance behaviour studies (I-Track) to better understand risk behaviour over time for people who inject drugs.

In 2006, a satellite session at the 17th Annual International Harm Reduction Association has resulted in the development of a national Coalition of People who use Drugs to address health, social and economic issues affecting their lives.

References:

1. Boulos D, Yan P, Schanzer D, Remis RS and Archibald C. Estimates of HIV prevalence and incidence in Canada, 2005. Can Commun Dis Rep 2006; 32(15) : 165-174.

Inmates in Federal Penitentiaries Factsheet

The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada is the federal government's domestic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The federal government is committed to addressing the epidemic by developing, in concert with those affected or at risk, approaches for specific populations. Population- specific approaches will be grounded in the concepts of social justice and determinants of health. They will engage those living with, and vulnerable to, HIV as partners in shaping policies and practices affecting their lives.

At the end of 2003, there were over 13,000 people incarcerated in federal penitentiaries in Canada. Inmates in Canada experience higher rates of infectious diseases than the general public because many belong to vulnerable populations.

What Are The Numbers?

• Between 1999 and 2002, HIV prevalence1 among inmates in Canadian federal penitentiaries rose steadily from 1.65% to 2.04%. In 2003, the prevalence fell to 1.92% and in 2004, fell again to 1.43%.²
• The prevalence of HIV among women offenders is higher than among men in Canadian federal penitentiaries. In 2004, HIV prevalence among women offenders was 3.44% vs. 1.37% for men.²
• In 2004, 58.7%of inmates known to be living with HIV were on antiretroviral therapy; however all cases are actively monitored.²
• The number of inmates known to be living with HIV released to the community increased from 183 in 2002 to 205 in 2003 and 214 in 2004.²

What Is The Federal Initiative Doing? For Example:

In 2005, the Federal Initiative made a strategic shift to focus on vulnerable populations. As part of a basic orientation process, a framework for population-specific work is being developed to guide future action. Status reports on each vulnerable population are being developed to compile evidence including current epi-surveillance data; research; current responses including funded projects, initiatives, networks and strategies; and lived experiences. This work will build upon existing work and be undertaken in collaboration with the population.

As a partner in the Federal Initiative, Correctional Services of Canada (CSC) is engaging with other federal departments, agencies and non governmental organizations in addressing the need for prevention, care, treatment and support services.

CSC offers confidential voluntary testing to inmates for infectious diseases upon admission and throughout incarceration. Pre- and post testing counselling is offered to all those undergoing HIV testing.

Educational programs on infectious disease transmission and prevention, discreet access to condoms, dental dams and water-based lubricant, bleach for cleaning injecting, tattooing and piercing equipment, and methadone treatment are available in all CSC penitentiaries. In 2005, a safer tattooing pilot commenced in six CSC penitentiaries.

CSC has an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding with PHAC to provide surveillance services and technical advice to CSC. PHAC is jointly funding and participating with CSC in the development of an inmate infectious diseases and risk behaviours survey.

Upon request by CSC, PHAC is also conducting a scientific and technical review of prison needle exchange programs internationally and will be providing advice and recommendations to CSC.

CSC co-chairs twice-yearly meetings of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Heads of Corrections Working Group on Health. Each province and territory is represented on the Working Group.

The Specific Populations HIV/AIDS Initiative Fund will address national policy and program priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS and those populations most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Canada, including prison inmates.

Through its community programming, including the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provides support for community based organizations to deliver local prevention, care and support services to all people living with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable to the disease.

The Prisoners HIV/AIDS Support Action Network (PASAN), in partnership with the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, is documenting and highlighting best practice prison harm reduction programs across Canada.

References:

1. Prevalence of infection is based on results of tests. Not all inmates undergo testing, therefore prevalence of infection may be greater than reported.
2. Correctional Service of Canada, Infectious Disease Surveillance in Canadian Federal Penitentiaries 2002-2004. 2006. In press.

Youth at Risk Factsheet

The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada is the federal government's domestic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The federal government is committed to addressing the epidemic by developing, in concert with those affected or at risk, approaches for specific populations. Population-specific approaches will be grounded in the concepts of social justice and determinants of health. They will engage those living with, and vulnerable to, HIV as partners in shaping policies and practices affecting their lives.

While the reported incidence of HIV amongst young people, between 10- to 24- years, constitutes a small proportion of the total number of HIV/AIDS cases in Canada, the data on risk behaviours, including sexual behaviour, substance abuse and perceptions, demonstrates the potential for HIV transmission.

What Are The Numbers?

• At the end of 2005, young people, aged 10 to 24 years, comprised 3.5% of the 20,347 AIDS cases that noted age.¹
• In 2005, 60.4% of cumulative AIDS cases in adolescents, aged 10 to 19 years, were attributed to blood and blood products while 51.5% of AIDS cases in youth, aged 20 to 24 years, were attributed to men who have sex with men and 20.6% to heterosexual contact.¹
• In 2005, 35% of all positive HIV test reports for youth, aged 15 to 29 years, were female.¹
• In 2005, 41.2% of all positive HIV test reports among Aboriginal peoples were among young people below 30 years of age.²
• In a 2005 national online survey of 14 to 17 year olds, 27% reported being sexually active.³
• In 2004, reported rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea were highest among individuals 20 to 24 years of age.⁴
• In 2003, 22.3% of street youth reported injecting drugs. The most common drugs reported were cocaine, heroine, morphine, and speedball (combination of cocaine and heroine).⁵
• In a 2002 survey, over two thirds of grade nine students and just under half of grade 11 students indicated that they think there is a vaccine availableto prevent HIV/AIDS and a substantial number think that HIV can be cured if treated early.⁶

What Is The Federal Initiative Doing? For Example:

In 2005, the Federal Initiative made a strategic shift to focus on vulnerable populations. As part of a basic orientation process, a framework for population-specific work is being developed to guide future action. Status reports on each vulnerable population are being developed to compile evidence including current epi-surveillance data; research; current responses including funded projects, initiatives, networks and strategies; and lived experiences. This work will build upon existing work and be undertaken in collaboration with the population.

The Specific Populations HIV/AIDS Initiative Fund will address national policy and program priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS and those populations most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Canada, including youth.

Through its community programming, including the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provides support for community based organizations to deliver local prevention, care and support services to all people living with HIV/AIDS, including youth at risk.

In early 2006, the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support & Research Program of the PHAC in partnership with a national Youth Planning Committee, the CPHA, Health Canada and other government departments held the "2006 National Youth Retreat: 4 Health 4 Wellness". Hepatitis C, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, addictions and mental health issues were integrated into comprehensive awareness messages around harm reduction and healthy sexuality throughout the successful 3-day retreat attended by 120 youth delegates from across Canada.

• In 2004, Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers of Health and Social Development and a member of the Senate released "A Canada Fit For Children" which recognized that adolescents need to have the capacity to manage a range of complex sexual health issues including STIs and HIV.

References:

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. HIV and AIDS in Canada. Surveillance report to December 31, 2005. Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006.
2. Public Health Agency of Canada. HIV and AIDS in Canada. HIV/AIDS Epi-Updates, 2006. Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006.
3. CAAH. Sexual behaviour and lack of knowledge threaten health of Canadian teens. February 21, 2006. Cited on May 3rd, 2006. http://www.acsa-caah.ca/ang/pdf/misc/research.pdf
4. Public Health Agency of Canada. 2004 Canadian Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance Report: Pre-Release. Cited on June 26, 2006. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/stddata_pre06_04/index.html
5. Public Health Agency of Canada. Street Youth in Canada: Findings from Enhanced Surveillance of Street Youth in Canada. Ottawa; 2006.
6. Councils of Ministers of Education, Canada. Canadian Youth, Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Study. Factors influencing knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Council of Ministers of Education, 2003

Aboriginal Peoples Factsheet

The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada is the federal government's domestic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The federal government is committed to addressing the epidemic by developing, in concert with those affected or at risk, approaches for specific populations. Population-specific approaches will be grounded in the concepts of social justice and determinants of health. They will engage those living with, and vulnerable to, HIV as partners in shaping policies and practices affecting their lives.

The term Aboriginal peoples includes First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

According to the 2001 Census, approximately 3.3% of Canada's 31.4 million people self-identify as Aboriginal. In 1994, the Aboriginal population was 10 years younger, on average, than the general Canadian population. In addition, Aboriginal peoples experience poorer health and socio-economic conditions than the general population in Canada. Epidemiological data suggests that Aboriginal peoples are over represented in the HIV epidemic and are being infected with HIV at a younger age than the non-Aboriginal population.

What Are The Numbers?

• In 2005, 22.4% of reported HIV infections from provinces/territories that submitted ethnicity data were in Aboriginal peoples.¹
• An estimated 3,600 to 5,100 Aboriginal people were living with HIV in Canada at the end of 2005.²
• It was estimated that Aboriginal people comprised approximately 200 to 400 of the new HIV infections in Canada in 2005.²
• Injection drug use has accounted for approximately half of AIDS cases in Aboriginal peoples since 1998.
• In 2005, Aboriginal peoples comprised 3.5% of the reported AIDS cases that noted ethnicity.¹
• In 2005, 38.9% of reported AIDS cases among Aboriginal peoples were Aboriginal women.³

What Is The Federal Initiative Doing? For Example:

In 2005, the Federal Initiative made a strategic shift to focus on vulnerable populations. As part of a basic orientation process, a framework for population-specific work is being developed to guide future action. Status reports on each vulnerable population are being developed to compile evidence including current epi-surveillance data; research; current responses including funded projects, initiatives, networks and strategies; and lived experiences. This work will build upon existing work and be undertaken in collaboration with the population.

Health Canada's First Nations and Inuit Health Branch funds community based HIV/AIDS education, prevention and related health services for First Nations population on reserve and some Inuit populations.

Under the Federal Initiative:

• the Non-Reserve First Nations, Inuit and Metis Communities HIV/AIDS Project Fund will fund work towards the reduction of HIV incidence and facilitate access to quality diagnosis, care, treatment, and social support for off reserve Aboriginal people living with HIV/AIDS.
• the Specific Populations HIV/AIDS Initiative Fund will address national policy and program priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS and those populations most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Canada.

The National Aboriginal Council on HIV/AIDS (NACHA) is an advisory committee to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Health Canada ensuring that HIV- related needs for all First Nations, Inuit and Métis are met. NACHA is comprised of 24 members of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

In 2003, the Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network (CAAN) released "Strengthening Ties - Strengthening Communities: An Aboriginal Strategy on HIV/AIDS in Canada", a multi sectoral approach to addressing the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS in the Aboriginal population.

References:

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. HIV and AIDS in Canada. Surveillance report to December 31, 2005. Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006.
2. Boulos D, Yan P, Schanzer D, Remis RS and Archibald C. Estimates of HIV prevalence and incidence in Canada, 2005. Can Commun Dis Rep 2006; 32(15) : 165-174.
3. Public Health Agency of Canada. HIV/AIDS Epi Updates, 2006. Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006.

Women at Risk Factsheet

The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada is the federal government's domestic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The federal government is committed to addressing the epidemic by developing, in concert with those affected or at risk, approaches for specific populations. Population-specific approaches will be grounded in the concepts of social justice and determinants of health. They will engage those living with, and vulnerable to, HIV as partners in shaping policies and practices affecting their lives.

Women account for a growing proportion of positive HIV tests reports, with a known age and gender, that are identified as adults. The proportion of women affected varies considerably by age and is highest amongst adolescents and young adults. Among women (15 years and older), the primary exposure categories associated with newly diagnosed HIV infection are heterosexual contact and intravenous drug use (IDU).

What Are The Numbers?

• Up to the end of 2005, a total of 1,786 AIDS cases and 8,849 HIV infections have been reported in adult women.¹
• In 2005, women accounted for approximately 25% of positive HIV test reports.¹
• It was estimated that at the end of 2005, women accounted for about 20% of individuals living with HIV (including AIDS).²
• Women were estimated to account for 27% of all new HIV infections in 2005, an increase from 24% estimated for 2002.²
• In 2005, 64.6% of the positive HIV test reports among adult women were for women between the ages of 15 to 39 years.¹
• In 2005, the proportion of infants confirmed to be HIV infected by perinatal transmission had decreased to 4%, from 39% in 1994.¹

What Is The Federal Initiative Doing? For Example:

In 2005, the Federal Initiative made a strategic shift to focus on vulnerable populations. As part of a basic orientation process, a framework for population-specific work is being developed to guide future action. Status reports on each vulnerable population are being developed to compile evidence including current epi-surveillance data; research; current responses including funded projects, initiatives, networks and strategies; and lived experiences. This work will build upon existing work and be undertaken in collaboration with the population.

The Specific Populations HIV/AIDS Initiative Fund will address national policy and program priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS and those populations most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Canada, including women at risk.

Through its community programming, including the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provides support for community based organizations to deliver local prevention, care and support services to all people living with HIV/AIDS, including women, and those vulnerable to HIV infection.

References:

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. HIV and AIDS in Canada. Surveillance report to December 31, 2005. Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006.
2. Boulos D, Yan P, Schanzer D, Remis RS and Archibald C. Estimates of HIV prevalence and incidence in Canada, 2005. Can Commun Dis Rep 2006; 32(15) : 165-174.

People from Countries Where HIV/AIDS is Endemic Factsheet

The Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada is the federal government's domestic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The federal government is committed to addressing the epidemic by developing, in concert with those affected or at risk, approaches for specific populations. Population-specific approaches will be grounded in the concepts of social justice and determinants of health. They will engage those living with, and vulnerable to, HIV as partners in shaping policies and practices affecting their lives.

HIV endemic countries are defined as those having an adult incidence (ages 15-49) of HIV that is 1.0% of the population or greater and one of the following:

• 50% or more of HIV cases are attributed to heterosexual transmission;
• Male to female ratio of 2:1 or less; or
• HIV incidence among women receiving prenatal care is greater than 2%.

In 2001, approximately 1.5% of the Canadian population was born in a country where HIV is endemic. These people are disproportionately affected by social, economic, and behavioural factors that increase their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and act as barriers to accessing prevention, screening and treatment programs.

What Are The Numbers?

• In 2005, 7.7% of new positive HIV tests reports were attributed to individuals with an origin in an HIV-endemic country.¹
• Approximately 80% of the positive HIV test reports attributed to individuals from countries where HIV is endemic were for people under the age of 40 years.²
• Between 1998 and 2005, women represented 52% of positive HIV test reports among the HIV endemic category and 42% of AIDS cases during the same time period.²
• Of the individuals living with HIV in Canada at the end of 2005, an estimated 12% were attributed to heterosexual individuals who were not injecting drug users and were born in a country where HIV is endemic.³
• It was also estimated that, in 2005, approximately 16% of new HIV infections in Canada were attributed to heterosexual individuals who were not injecting drug users and were born in a country where HIV is endemic.³

What Is The Federal Initiative Doing? For Example:

In 2005, the Federal Initiative made a strategic shift to focus on vulnerable populations. As part of a basic orientation process, a framework for population-specific work is being developed to guide future action. Status reports on each vulnerable population are being developed to compile evidence including current epi-surveillance data; research; current responses, including funded projects, initiatives, networks and strategies; and lived experiences. This work will build upon existing work and be undertaken in collaboration with this population. Work has begun on the status report for this population with the expected release date in summer 2007.

The Specific Populations HIV/AIDS Initiative Fund will address national policy and program priorities for people living with HIV/AIDS and those populations most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS in Canada.

Through its community programming, including the AIDS Community Action Program (ACAP), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provides support for community based organizations to deliver local prevention, care and support services to all people living with HIV/AIDS.

References:

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. HIV and AIDS in Canada. Surveillance report to December 31, 2005. Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, 2006.
2. Public Health Agency of Canada. HIV/AIDS Epi Update. HIV in Canada among persons from countries where HIV is endemic. Surveillance and Risk Assessment Division, Centre for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, December 2005.
3. Boulos D, Yan P, Schanzer D, Remis RS and Archibald C. Estimates of HIV prevalence and incidence in Canada, 2005. Can Commun Dis Rep 2006; 32(15) : 165-174.