Today, December 1, marks World AIDS/HIV Day, coinciding with the commencement of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week in Canada. It serves as a poignant time for reflection on the lives lost over the past 40 years and the global strides made in the fight against HIV.
As reported by CATIE, an estimated 62,790 Canadians currently live with HIV. Of these, 56,200 have been diagnosed, with 48,660 undergoing treatment and 46,100 achieving viral suppression. While Canada has made significant progress, HIV/AIDS remains a pressing health concern worldwide, claiming the lives of over 40 million individuals in the last four decades.
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 59 million people are living with HIV, with 25.6 million being women, and 25.6 million residing in the African region.
Although Canada’s situation may not seem as dire as in other parts of the world, Public Health Agency of Canada reports an increase 11.3% in-diagnosed HIV cases of since 2022. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are pivotal for survival. IPAC team jointly with the Harm Reduction team at the Salvation Army shelters have created packages containing educational information about HIV and self-administered HIV test kits. Please visit the Harm Reduction teams’ booths at the participating locations and support us in disseminating knowledge and reducing stigma.
– Kornelija Delibasic & Dishanth Peterdias
Prayer
God, open our eyes to the systems around us that oppress, hold down, and disadvantage the most vulnerable in our society,
so that we may increase and abound in our love for one another and for all people.
God, open our ears to the myths, stereotypes, and lies that keep these systems going,
so that we may increase and abound in our love for one another and for all people.
God, open our mouths to challenging conversations about race, sex, and differences,
so that we may increase and abound in our love for one another and for all people.
God, open our hearts to the understanding that we are all affected by HIV/AIDS,
so that we may increase and abound in our love for one another and for all people.
Amen
(adapted from here)