We can beat AIDS in Canada. Here’s how

Canadians are rightly proud of the universal coverage provided by our national health care system. Sadly, there are gaps in our access that have very grave consequences. In regions across the country, care and treatment is failing to reach those living with HIV.

Saskatchewan is one a number of regions in Canada – along with Manitoba and our nation’s capital – experiencing alarming spikes in the spread of HIV. In 2009, the province saw a rate of new HIV cases comparable to Nigeria. Numbers have declined since this peak, partly due to Saskatchewan’s four-year HIV strategy (concluded in 2014) that increased testing, treatment and support for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Unfortunately, rates of HIV in Saskatchewan continue to be the highest in the country. Incidence rates in 2012 were at 17 cases per 100,000. By comparison, the 2012 rates of HIV-positive test reports for B.C., Ontario, and Quebec were 5.1, 6.2 and 5.6, respectively. Saskatchewan also continues to experience high levels of HIV-related illness and death.

The province is looking for solutions. SHARE, the Saskatchewan HIV/AIDS Research Endeavour, is working to establish a research agenda and learn from successes in other provinces. They are turning to the trailblazing work of the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS for answers.

Scroll to Top

Canada Post has provided notification of restarting their operations on December 17, 2024. As Canada Post ramps up and stabilizes their services, the BC-CfE will continue the following measures on an interim basis to minimize service disruption to BC-CfE clients and providers.

  • The BC-CfE Laboratory will utilize private courier for delivery of outgoing reports and documents. (Lab Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8775; FAX 604-806-9463)
  • The BC-CfE Drug Treatment Program (DTP) will fax outgoing forms and documents to the provider’s office. (DTP Contact Information: Phone 604-806-8515; FAX 604-806-9044)
  • St. Paul’s Hospital Ambulatory Pharmacy will utilize private courier for delivery of medications. (Contact Information: Phone 1-800-547-3622; FAX 604-806-8675)