Although it was approved for use in Canada in March 2020, an injectable HIV treatment is still not covered under B.C.’s public health care system. AIDS Vancouver is calling on the government to change that.
“It’s stressful,” said Vancouver resident George Astakeesic.
Living with HIV has been a long journey for Astakeesic, who navigates a daily regimen of pills.
“I’ve been taking medications for many, many years, over 30 years now and I really would rather not be taking pills daily.”
AIDS Vancouver has launched a campaign asking the B.C. government to approve an alternative.
The long-acting injectable HIV therapy Cabenuva was approved by Health Canada three years ago, and according to AIDS Vancouver, is already covered in other provinces.
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“There will be access to such things in B.C. and it’ll be done through the Centre for HIV/AIDS,” said Dix on Friday at the Harrison Mills groundbreaking for the new Indigenous-led primary health-care centre that is part of a reconciliation agreement between the B.C. government and the Sts’ailes First Nation.
“That’s the key aspect of what we’re doing, so appreciate the comment from AIDS Vancouver, they know that we’re going to lead on this issue for all of the people that need support and care.”