2019 numbers expected to drop to record-low levels
The number of new HIV infections in the Vancouver Coastal Health region has fallen by 52 per cent since 2011, and it’s expected to keep falling.
Last year, 86 people in the region were diagnosed with HIV, down from 178 seven years earlier, according to the health authority.
So far this year, only 26 new infections have been reported, marking a downward trend that could lead to the lowest number of annual cases recorded since the virus first became reportable in 2003.
“This is so encouraging to see,” VCH medical health officer Dr. John Harding said in a news release.
Thursday marks National HIV Testing Day and Harding is encouraging anyone who is sexually active to go in for a test every year.
“In 2009, one in five Canadians living with HIV were estimated to be unaware that they have HIV, and we saw too many people newly diagnosed with HIV already in the advanced stages of disease,” Harding said.
“Today in our region, people are being diagnosed and linked to care earlier, which can prolong and improve people’s lives, as well as reduce transmission to others.”