Successful BC-CfE-led pilot project expands access to HIV/AIDS medicines to hard-to-reach populations across B.C. and provides an effective model for other provinces to follow
Vancouver, BC [April 4, 2013] – The STOP HIV/AIDS¨ initiative is expanding across British Columbia following its successful implementation as a pilot project aimed at reducing morbidity, mortality and HIV transmission by offering widespread HIV testing, treatment and earlier engagement into care.
The government of B.C. previously announced $19.9 million in annual funding beginning April 1 to roll out the initiative throughout B.C. Expansion will be carried out by the province’s health authorities, with leadership from the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE).
“I’m grateful for the commitment shown by the government of B.C. to eliminate HIV and AIDS,” said Dr. Julio Montaner, director of the BC-CfE.”We are the only province in Canada showing a consistent decline in HIV-related morbidity, mortality and new diagnoses, which will continue as a result of the expansion of the STOP HIV/AIDS¨ initiative. The world is watching closely as B.C. continues to lead in innovative approaches and make progress towards the goal of an AIDS-free generation.”
The initial four-year, $48-million pilot, called Seek and Treat for Optimal Prevention of HIV/AIDS (STOP HIV/AIDS¨), began in 2009 in Vancouver’s inner city and Prince George as part of the groundbreaking Treatment as Prevention strategy. Pioneered by the BC-CfE, the strategy involves widespread HIV testing and earlier access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to those medically eligible. The BC-CfE has demonstrated that the benefits of early HAART treatment are twofold: it reduces the level of HIV in the blood to undetectable levels thus improving the health of people with HIV, and decreases the level of HIV in sexual fluids to undetectable levels thus reducing the likelihood of HIV transmission by more than 95 per cent.
Treatment as Prevention has led to a marked decrease in morbidity, mortality and new HIV cases. At the height of the epidemic in the early 1990s, the number of new HIV diagnoses was approximately 900 a year. In 2012, the number of new HIV diagnoses had dropped to 248. As the only province to implement the Treatment as Prevention strategy, B.C. stands alone as the sole province to show a consistent decline in new HIV diagnoses.
“British Columbia is at the forefront in the fight against HIV and AIDS,” said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid.”The success of the STOP HIV/AIDS¨ pilot represents an opportunity to implement the innovative approaches and lessons learned across the province for the benefit of all British Columbians. By reaching and engaging more British Columbians at-risk for or living with HIV/AIDS, we can provide better care that will help significantly reduce the spread of the virus.”
STOP HIV/AIDS¨ has allowed health professionals in the pilot areas to identify more people who have HIV/AIDS and enabled more people to be treated. In contrast, in non-pilot health authorities, there has been an overall decline in the number of people accessing treatment.
“We’re pleased that the B.C. government is supporting the expansion of a program that promises to significantly benefit our communities,” said Dr. Trevor Corneil, Medical Health Officer at Interior Health Authority.”Funding will be directed toward new outreach programs, new standards for HIV testing that can include rapid point of care testing, additional front line staff and prevention, treatment and support programs.”
The BC-CfE will continue to monitor and evaluate the progress of the program.
About the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
The BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS (BC-CfE) is Canada’s largest HIV/AIDS research, treatment and education facility and is internationally recognized as an innovative world leader in combating HIV/AIDS and related diseases. BC-CfE is based at St. Paul’s Hospital, Providence Health Care, a teaching hospital of the University of British Columbia. The BC-CfE works in close collaboration with key provincial stakeholders, including health authorities, health care providers, academics from other institutions, and the community to decrease the health burden of HIV and AIDS. By developing, monitoring and disseminating comprehensive research and treatment programs for HIV and related illnesses, the BC-CfE helps improve the health of British Columbians living with HIV.
The BC-CfE-pioneered Treatment as Prevention strategy is internationally recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization, International AIDS Society and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Treatment as Prevention has been endorsed by U.S. President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former U.S. President Bill Clinton as an effective strategy in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
For additional information or to request interviews, please contact:
Kevin Hollett
BC-CfE
Phone: 604-682-2344 ext. 66536
Mobile: 778-848-3420
Email: khollett@bccfe.ca
Mahafrine Petigara
Edelman (for BC-CfE)
Phone: 604-623-3007 ext. 297
Email: mahafrine.petigara@edelman.com