December 1 is World AIDS Day and also marks the start of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week. On this day, people around the world unite in solidarity with those living with HIV and remember those who lost their life to AIDS-related illnesses. This year's theme, "Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response," highlights the continued leadership and resilience of communities working to sustain and advance progress in the global HIV response.
After several years of increases in Canada, we have seen a small decline in the national rate of new HIV diagnoses in 2024 compared to 2023.
But we know HIV remains a concern in Canada - with disproportionate impacts felt among populations experiencing health and social inequities. The Government of Canada's renewed Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) Action Plan recognizes that STBBI do not affect all people equally and outlines a response that addresses the overlapping social and structural factors that shape health outcomes. This includes addressing stigma and discrimination, improving access to culturally safe and trauma-informed care, and enhancing national surveillance systems to ensure adequate and appropriate data is available to drive decision-making.
We also continue to shift the conversation around HIV-placing people, not the infection, at the center of care. By prioritizing dignity and informed decision making, we are creating approaches that dismantle stigma and empower individuals to take control of their sexual health and well-being.
Indigenous communities continue to lead with strength and innovation in the response to HIV and AIDS. Canada recognizes that each community has unique health needs, and we are working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis leaders, organizations, and governments to expand access to culturally safe prevention, testing, and care. Initiatives like Know Your Status are making a real difference, but stigma, discrimination and health inequities remain as barriers. Canada remains committed to supporting distinctions-based, community-led approaches that reflect Indigenous knowledge, priorities, and leadership.
To help reduce stigma and discrimination, Canada continues to champion the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) campaign - sharing the message that when the amount of HIV in the blood is very low, it cannot be passed to others through sex. This education campaign encourages individuals to get tested for STBBI, access prevention options and receive treatment and care.
To reduce the risk of HIV transmission, we encourage everyone to take control of their sexual health and learn about the range of prevention options available including the consistent and correct use of condoms, and regular testing for STBBI.
In keeping with this year's theme, we recognize the contributions of people living with HIV and thank all the communities, health care providers, health authorities and organizations that work tirelessly to support them. Addressing HIV takes collaboration from many partners across Canada and by working together, we can put an end to HIV as a public health concern.
The Honourable Marjorie Michel, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health
The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Indigenous Services of Canada
