ON the occasion of World AIDS Day on December 1, British Columbia marks record-low cases of HIV and AIDS as the crisis transitions from epidemic to chronic disease management.
“As we commemorate World AIDS Day, it’s important to look to the progress we have made against a formidable disease,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “With the success of the Treatment as Prevention strategy (TasP), B.C. is seen as the having the world’s gold standard to profoundly reduce HIV transmission and transition the crisis from a serious epidemic to a manageable chronic disease.”
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“Since the first AIDS patients presented to St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver – struggling against stigma and marginalization – community, researchers and clinicians worked tirelessly to advance evidence-based research to inform B.C.’s HIV treatment policies,” said Dr. Julio Montaner, executive director and physician-in-chief, BCCfE. “This included pioneering effective treatment and supporting widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy. We are now reaping the rewards of this province’s continued commitment to provide the best possible treatment and care for those living with HIV as we set a standard for the rest of the world.”
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