Governmental HIV/AIDS funding is not enough ...

Until about a year ago, I hadn't given too much thought to HIV/AIDS.  Yes, I had discussed the topic in a general sense and I knew the basics, but I definitely wouldn't have counted myself as an "expert".

I'm still nowhere near to an expert on the topic, but I have learned a great deal in the past year.  As a member of the Board of Directors for the AIDS Committee of Simcoe County, you could say that the issue is much more near and dear to me than it ever was in the past.

HIV/AIDS is a very real issue in Canada; Canadian youth under 29, women and seniors are contracting HIV more than ever before.  The stats speak for themselves:

• Almost 26% of all positive HIV tests in Canada from 1984-2007 were from people under the age of 29

• Females account for 40.9% of positive HIV tests among youth 15-29 years old

• A national study found that approximately 50% to 60% of grade 9 and 11 students think there is a vaccine available to prevent HIV/AIDS

• The same survey found that 36% of grade 11 students think that there is a cure for HIV/AIDS

(Source: K. Cooper, Manager of Community Services - ACSC, October 2010).

Factor in multiple strains of HIV, low rates of condom usage and engagement in risky behaviour (including high-risk drug use) and you've got a breeding ground for HIV/AIDS transmission.  It truly is an epidemic.

The AIDS Committee of Simcoe County is just one of many "ASO's" - AIDS Service Organizations.  The ACSC provides direct support to those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as education, prevention and outreach programs throughout Simcoe County.  Three hard-working staff serve this entire area, attempting to meet the needs of a diverse population with very limited resources.  The unfortunate reality is that governmental funding to ASO's continues to fall far short of the need.

Please take a moment to read this news article, posted this past Wednesday, in "Xtra".  It's an issue well worth learning about.

Federal HIV/AIDS funding falls short

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to email me.

Thanks for reading,

Candice