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"I care... Do you?" is the slogan for the second year of an international two-year campaign emphasizing the responsibility of men in terms of HIV/AIDS. In Canada the focus on men and HIV/AIDS is important because men have been deeply affected and must play an important part in prevention and support.

HIV/AIDS in Canada

The most recent statistics on HIV/AIDS infection rates show that of the approximately 49,800 people living with HIV/AIDS in Canada, about 43,000 are men. In 1999 about 4,190 Canadians became infected with HIV, and the trend seems to be continuing. At least 15,000 Canadians do not know that they’re infected.

Sex

Many men do not practice safer sex even though it reduces the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV. In Canada, a 1995 study showed that only 22% of men use condoms as their main form of contraception. Young men and unmarried men were more likely to use condoms than older men and married (or formerly married) men. The Canadian rate of condom use by males is one of the lowest in the industrialized world.

There are a number of ways to enjoy sex and avoid getting HIV. Using a latex condom or a female condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex is your best protection against HIV and other STDs, as well as unwanted pregnancy. If you are not using condoms because your partner is on the pill, neither of you is protected from STDs. If you are not able to buy condoms, you can get them for free from most health clinics, street outreach workers, or your local AIDS Service Organization.

Needles

If you inject drugs, using a new needle and syringe every time is your best protection against getting HIV. If new needles or syringes are not available, you can clean them with bleach and water by rinsing them twice with bleach, leaving the bleach in the needle for 30 seconds at a time. Then rinse them twice with clean water (remember that bleach does not kill Hepatitis C).

There are needle exchanges operating in many cities. If you are unsure if there is one in your area, call your local AIDS Service Organization, health clinic or ask a street outreach worker.

There is also an increased risk of contracting HIV when getting a tattoo or body piercing if the equipment being used has not been properly sterilized and is used on more than one person. There is also an increased risk of catching Hepatitis C if the piercing or tattooing equipment, including needles, ink or jewellery, has been used before.

Testing 1-2-3

If you are not sure if you are HIV positive, think about getting tested. Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV. You should be able to get this done at your doctor’s office as well as your local health unit or sexual health clinic. Many places across the country offer testing that is anonymous. This means that they won’t ask who you are, and you don’t need to show them your health card. Call your provincial HIV/AIDS hotline, or local AIDS Service Organization for more information about testing and to find out where you can get tested.

If you think there's a cure, think again

Remember that drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS are not a cure. While it is true that many people living with HIV are healthier for longer periods of time, some are not. Your body can react strongly to these drugs making day to day life hard to handle.

What "kind" of a man do you want to be?

Question "roles of masculinity" you may feel expected to live by. Think twice about your actions or the decisions you make which are based on the fact that you’re a man. Would you consider not wearing a condom simply because it’s not a "manly" thing to do? Consider that wearing a condom protects you and your partner against HIV and other STDs. Try to make decisions based on what is best for your, and your partner’s, health rather than what other people expect you to do.