HIV Cases Stabilize in Northwestern Ontario Amid National Rise, Thanks to Harm Reduction Efforts
While Canada has seen a 35% increase in HIV cases, health officials in northwestern Ontario report that numbers in the region have stabilized. Experts attribute this to robust harm reduction services, which play a key role in preventing the virus’s spread among at-risk populations.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) reported 16 confirmed cases in 2021, with no significant rise since then. This stabilization follows an outbreak in 2019 when the region’s HIV rates surpassed Ontario’s average.
Harm Reduction at the Core of Prevention
“Our outbreak heavily affected individuals who are homeless, underhoused, or using substances,” explained Kandace Belanger, manager of harm reduction and sexual health programs at TBDHU. “Street outreach teams have been instrumental in connecting people to testing and services.”
However, national trends paint a more concerning picture. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), there were 2,434 new HIV cases in 2023. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have the country’s highest infection rates, with drug use via tainted needles being a significant driver in Manitoba.
In Thunder Bay, the closure of supervised consumption sites, including Path 525, under new provincial regulations has raised alarms. These sites provide essential harm reduction services, such as needle exchange programs, to curb the spread of HIV and other blood-borne infections.
The Call for Policy and Legal Reform
Ken Miller, Executive Director of the Canadian AIDS Society, is advocating for expanded harm reduction services and legal reforms. He highlights the ongoing criminalization of people living with HIV in Canada, which disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
“Canada must stop criminalizing people living with HIV. Law reform is needed today,” Miller said, adding that inclusive policies and messaging are crucial to addressing all at-risk groups, including Indigenous populations and women.
A coalition of organizations recently submitted proposals to Health Canada, calling for:
An additional $7.2 million annually for five years to support community-based organizations.
$150 million in bilateral funding over three years to help eliminate HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
The Importance of Accessible Testing and Supplies
In the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) region, seven HIV cases have been confirmed this year, down from 19 in 2022. Public education, early testing, and access to harm reduction supplies such as needles and condoms have been pivotal in stabilizing numbers.
“Harm reduction tools have proven effective in preventing HIV transmission,” said Kit Young Hoon, NWHU’s medical officer of health. “Equally important is ensuring people feel supported in using and safely disposing of equipment.”
Looking Ahead
Experts emphasize the need for targeted outreach to marginalized populations, improved harm reduction policies, and inclusive messaging to combat the rising trend of HIV cases nationally. Thunder Bay’s approach highlights the potential impact of harm reduction but also underscores the necessity of sustained efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
Source : Swifteradio.com
