Life expectancy of HIV-positive Canadians rises to 65 years: study

A new study provides more evidence that an HIV diagnosis is no longer the all-but-certain death sentence of years past.

Researchers say the overall life expectancy of Canadians undergoing antiretroviral treatment for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has climbed to 65 years.

The study also reinforces the effectiveness of starting antiretroviral treatment early.

Dr. Julio Montaner, director of the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, says treatment not only improves the health of people living with HIV, but also reduces its transmission.

The study’s principal investigator, Dr. Robert Hogg, adds that treatment providers must nonetheless remain vigilant in ensuring therapy reaches everyone, particularly vulnerable groups such as injection drug users.

The study shows that life expectancy increased less for women, injection drug users and people with First Nations ancestry.

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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)

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