Friday, June 03, 2011
Ottawa recognizes 30 years of HIV/AIDS
Ottawa - June 5, 2011 will mark the 30th year of the emergence of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. The anniversary comes as OPH reports a notable increase in HIV in 2011 among males.
In the first four months of 2011, 32 cases were reported, compared to 70 new infections in all of 2010. This recent increase in HIV rates is the highest recorded in the last decade.
“I am very concerned with the recent increase in HIV rates in our community. It is a reminder to everyone that the disease still exists in our community and that we can and must do more collectively to prevent the spread of HIV,” said Dr. Vera Etches, Associate Medical of Health. “You can protect yourself. Remember to wear condoms, not share drug using equipment and get tested on a regular basis.”
There have been almost 3,000 reports of HIV infection reported in Ottawa since 1983. More than 700 have progressed to AIDS. Overall, the highest rates are in males.
“It was so simple 20 and 30 years ago - care for the sick and dying and get condoms out. Thirty years on, the reality is that HIV is being quietly pushed aside,” said David Hoe, a long time HIV activist in Ottawa. “Stigma and discrimination and our natural desires contribute to the belief that HIV cannot happen to me. These ways of being have to change.”
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV attacks the immune system which leads to a chronic, progressive illness that leaves people vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers. The average time from infection to AIDS diagnosis now exceeds 10 years. AIDS is fatal if left untreated and there is still no cure.
Ottawa Public Health offers free and anonymous HIV testing at various locations across the City. To learn more about these services or to speak to a nurse, visit the Sexual Health Centre at 179 Clarence Street or call the Sexual Health Information Line at 613-563-2437 or visit ottawa.ca/health for more information.
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