Public Health Agency of Canada
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HIV/AIDS

More than two decades after its onset, the HIV/AIDS pandemic remains an enormous challenge in Canada and around the world.

The Government of Canada is committed to a comprehensive, long‑term approach to addressing HIV/AIDS, domestically and internationally. Canada’s goals are to prevent 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.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is responsible for the overall coordination of the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada. The Federal Initiative – a partnership between the Public Health Agency of Canada, Health Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Correctional Service Canada – works towards a Canada free from HIV and AIDS and the underlying conditions that make Canadians vulnerable to the epidemic. In addition to coordination (which includes joint planning, monitoring and evaluation), the Public Health Agency of Canada is responsible for HIV/AIDS communications, social marketing, national and regional programs, policy development, surveillance, laboratory science and global engagement focussing on technical assistance, and policy advice.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is also the lead agency for the overall coordination of the Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative (CHVI). The CHVI is a collaborative initiative between the Public Health Agency of Canada, Industry Canada, Health Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian International Development Agency, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Agency coordinates and oversees CHVI governance and management structures; facilitates collaboration with domestic and international stakeholders, serving as the focal point for its implementation; and provides secretariat support.