In this time of political upheaval, economic hardship, and pop-culture supremacy, events like the AIDS walk which took place today across Canada are critical to refocus our country's attention, and re-engage this disease, which continues to ravage our nation's most-vulnerable populations.
Advances in treatment options, as well as natural limitations on our society's collective attention span, have contributed to a general decline in the public's sense of urgency when it comes to HIV/AIDS.
But while the epidemic has largely fallen off the general public's radar screen, a cure continues to elude medical researchers, and infection rates remain alarmingly high. Those of us in the movement are often left wondering what can be done to make people listen.
The number of people living with HIV (including AIDS) in Canada continues to rise, from an estimated 57,000 in 2005 to 65,000 in 2008 (a 14% increase).
It has long been recognized that HIV/AIDS follows marginalization like a guided missile and that, by definition, those who are most at risk for HIV/AIDS are the most marginalized in our society.
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) continued to comprise the greatest proportion (44%) of new HIV infections in 2008, which was only slightly lower than the estimated 45% they comprised in 2005.
In 2008, the proportion of new infections among persons who inject drugs (IDU) was slightly higher than in 2005 (17% compared to 16%).
The proportions of new infections were unchanged from 2005 in both heterosexual/ non-endemic (20%) and heterosexual/endemic (16%) exposure categories.
The proportion of all new infections among women was unchanged from 2005 to 2008 (26%).
Aboriginal persons also continue to be over-represented in the HIV epidemic in Canada, and comprised 12.5% of all new infections in 2008, higher than the 10.5% of all new infections in 2005.
But there is hope.
Education on the transmission of HIV can make a difference.
Lessons on proper nutrition can help people live healthy, normal lives longer.
Access to medicines and quality care can ensure people infected with HIV and those caring for them can continue to work and go to school.
Education and protection for children orphaned by AIDS and other vulnerable children can give them the strength to become survivors – not victims.
Savings and loans groups can help people living with HIV and AIDS access the money they need to provide for their families.
To face this challenge, there emerges private and non-profit organizations who use a multi-faceted and community-based approach to HIV and AIDS that seeks out the root of the problem, as well as the effects. These agencies need your support. Give if you can, exercise your right to vote for those public figures who lend their support, and just take a moment to reflect on this issue.
$150,524 was raised today in Vancouver alone. Thanks you very very much to those of you who sponsored me and the many other people who went out, walked, and created awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
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So today I have lived in Vancouver for 5 years. I spent a little time reflecting on how stressful and exciting that move was today and appreciating my city. The sun is shining brightly over the water as I type this.
