New Vancouver-area HIV cases fall by more than half

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.”

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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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