On this World AIDS Day, we pause to honour the memory of the millions of lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses while standing in solidarity with the nearly 40 million people living with HIV worldwide.
UNAIDS reminds us that ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is within reach, but only if we act boldly, decisively, and urgently.
Treatment has expanded dramatically, with over 30.7 million people accessing life-saving HIV medicines. And the number of new infections has declined since the 1990s, however, the rates of new infections are still high with 1.3 million people becoming newly infected with HIV in 2023, bringing the number up to 39.9 million people living with HIV globally. Three times the target set for 2025 .
And though the annual number of deaths from AIDS has also declined, 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2023, making a total of 42.3 million people having died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic.
In Canada, marginalized communities, including Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and newcomers, face disproportionate risks due to systemic barriers and persistent stigma. Cuts to public healthcare and social services in Ontario deepen these challenges, making it harder for people to access prevention, care, and treatment services.
Join us in calling on the provincial government to increase support for public services, healthcare, educational efforts, and expanded testing and treatment services. Adequate funding and resources are crucial to maintaining and expanding these vital programs. We also urge the implementation of stronger policies to protect the rights of individuals living with HIV/AIDS and to ensure non-discriminatory practices in all sectors.
Take action today!
1. Fight Stigma: HIV-related stigma remains a barrier to prevention, testing, and treatment. We urge Ontarians to educate themselves and challenge misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. Start by listening to the experiences of people living with HIV and amplifying their voices.
2. Advocate for Increased Funding: Canada must increase support for HIV/AIDS programs, particularly for community-based organizations that deliver prevention and care. Governments at all levels must address healthcare inequities by funding harm reduction services, comprehensive sex education, and mental health support.
3. Hold Leaders Accountable: The federal and provincial governments must prioritize meeting the 2030 targets by increasing access to affordable medications and services while addressing the social determinants of health that heighten vulnerability to HIV.
The AIDS pandemic is not over. It will take our collective effort, breaking down stigma, supporting human rights initiatives, and ensuring no one is left behind. By working together, we can create a future without HIV/AIDS.
For more information, resources or to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS, see below for a list of organizations that offer culturally relevant services and programs, support, education, and advocacy, and actively work to combat HIV/AIDS stigma and systemic inequities.
OAN is a coalition of 45 member agencies dedicated to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS in Ontario. Their work focuses on advocacy, education, harm reduction, and reducing stigma.
AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT)
ACT offers various services, workshops, support groups, one-on-one counseling, and outreach programs like the Positive Youth Outreach (PYO) program, which provides a safe space for HIV-positive youth aged 16–29. They also provide resources on prevention, harm reduction, and testing.
Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy (OAHAS)
OAHAS provides culturally relevant services and programs and advocacy for Indigenous communities in Ontario, focusing on education, harm reduction, and stigma reduction.
2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
Based in Toronto, this organization supports Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ people, focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention, health education, and culturally appropriate services. It also provides counseling, peer support, and outreach tailored to the needs of urban Indigenous populations.
Black CAP (Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention)
Based in Toronto, Black CAP is dedicated to reducing HIV/AIDS infections within Toronto’s Black, African, and Caribbean communities. It also provides support for those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
ACCHO (African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario)
ACCHO focuses on improving the health and well-being of African, Caribbean, and Black communities in Ontario through advocacy, education, and support services tailored to these groups.
While broader in its health mandate, this organization addresses HIV/AIDS and related health inequities in Black communities across Ontario.
Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA)
Provides services that include access to treatment, income support, and health promotion for people with disabilities and others living with HIV/AIDS. Their programs emphasize accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with diverse needs.
Regional HIV/AIDS Connection (RHAC)
Runs the Open Closet program. A weekly drop-in group that supports LGBTQIA+ youth and addresses HIV prevention, sexual health, and stigma through education and community building. They ensure services are available for individuals with disabilities, including provisions for those with hearing impairments through technologies like TTY.
Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative (WHAI)
This initiative is part of the Ontario AIDS Network and works with community-based organizations across Ontario to improve services and programs for women affected by HIV. WHAI also focuses on addressing the social determinants of health that increase women’s risk of HIV and creating women-centered care spaces.
Provides inclusive services and programming for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. They offer HIV prevention education, access to resources, and other health-related supports.
Trellis HIV and Community Care (Kingston)
Supports Trans and non-binary individuals through their Gender Affirming Assistance Program (GAAP), which helps with gender-related costs like name changes and offers other supports for the LGBTQIA+ community, including HIV prevention and care programs.
A peer support service for LGBTQIA+ youth, providing confidential support and resources, including education on HIV prevention and stigma reduction across Ontario.
Asian Community AIDS Services (ACAS)
Supports East and Southeast Asian communities in Ontario. Their services include HIV prevention, education, counseling, and support programs tailored to cultural and linguistic needs.
Provides support, advocacy, and educational programs for Spanish-speaking individuals and families living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. It also promotes awareness and fights stigma within the Latin American community.
Africans in Partnership Against AIDS (APAA)
Focuses on African communities in Ontario, offering culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and support services. Their work addresses stigma and helps clients navigate healthcare systems.
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