QUESTION PERIOD — Health
HIV Testing
March 22, 2024
My question is for Senator Gold.
The number of Canadians with HIV is on the rise. My province of Manitoba has almost three times the new diagnosis rate, and Saskatchewan has four times the new diagnosis rate compared to the national average. Self-testing for HIV meets people where they are and provides a safe way for them to be tested, yet federal funding for HIV self-testing kits will run out at the end of this month, March 2024.
Senator Gold, the government has stated it wants to end HIV as a public health concern by 2030. What is the plan to improve access to HIV testing?
Thank you for your question, senator. It’s an important one.
My understanding is that the Public Health Agency of Canada is continuing to explore options to make HIV self-test kits available to community-based organizations after March 31 of this year. The Public Health Agency of Canada will continue to work closely with CATIE, the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, which is an online HIV resource that can connect individuals to counselling and other HIV services, as well as — to your point — to help find testing sites and HIV organizations.
Thank you, Senator Gold. Discrimination against and stigmatization of people living with HIV remain significant barriers to accessing prevention, treatment and support. More than 16,000 Canadians diagnosed with HIV are not actively engaged or represented in the HIV care continuum. Individuals need to access care without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Senator Gold, what is the government’s plan to raise national awareness, correct misconceptions and reduce the ongoing stigma surrounding HIV?
Thank you for raising this important point. In another life, I worked with a group from the Canadian Bar Association to author the first report on the legal implications of AIDS. This goes back to 1986, so I date myself in my answer.
The Government of Canada, in addition to the investments it’s making to support those living with HIV, will continue to do its part to communicate the importance of treating all Canadians, regardless of their medical situation or circumstances, equally.
