Slipping Away: The Alarming Rise of HIV Infections in Canada

New HIV infections have increased by 23% between 2022 and 2024, with an estimated 2,517 new cases reported in 2024 alone. This upward trend is particularly troubling considering the significant progress made in recent years.

Decades of research and advocacy have led to the development of effective treatments, making it possible for individuals living with HIV to manage their condition and live relatively normal lives. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been a game-changer in the fight against HIV, as demonstrated by Dr. Julio Montaner’s groundbreaking work on this approach.

However, despite these advances, Canada’s progress towards eliminating AIDS is being threatened. The strategy of “treatment as prevention,” which involves providing antiretroviral therapy to those living with HIV to suppress viral loads and prevent transmission, has been endorsed by the United Nations. Many countries aim to achieve three critical targets: 95% of people with HIV diagnosed, on treatment, and virologically suppressed.

Canada is lagging behind in this effort, as Dr. Montaner points out. The country’s progress towards eliminating AIDS is being threatened by a resurgence of new infections. Since the mid-1990s, new infections had been declining steadily, only to begin rising again in recent years.

Provinces like Manitoba and Saskatchewan have declared health emergencies due to skyrocketing HIV rates. Dr. Montaner’s assertion that “we’re seeing is a resurgence of HIV” is all too accurate. The report from UNAIDS paints a disturbing picture of international funding for HIV initiatives in low- and middle-income nations plummeting by 18% in 2025.

This comes on the heels of major foreign aid cuts, which have left global health leaders warning that years of progress are at risk of being unraveled. Dr. Montaner emphasizes that Canada needs to restore its funding of global initiatives but also acknowledges that attention and investment are needed at home.

The landscape of HIV in Canada has shifted significantly over the years. What was once a predominantly urban issue affecting gay men is now showing up in rural and remote communities without adequate resources or support. This changing face of HIV demands a more nuanced approach to addressing the crisis, one that takes into account the diverse needs and challenges faced by different populations.

Policymakers must prioritize investing in programs that address the root causes of this resurgence: lack of funding, inadequate access to treatment, and persistent social determinants of health. The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) has been a crucial resource for individuals living with HIV, but its funding has remained stagnant. It’s time for a more significant commitment from Ottawa.

While the numbers are alarming, there is still hope for turning this trend around. The latest advancements in antiretroviral therapy have made treatment more accessible and affordable than ever before. Making these medications free through Canada’s national pharmacare program would be a crucial step towards alleviating the burden on individuals living with HIV.

As Dr. Montaner so eloquently puts it, “We are reporting every two years and we’re reporting four years behind.” It’s time for Ottawa to take a more proactive approach to addressing this crisis, one that prioritizes investment in research, treatment access, and community support. Anything less would be a betrayal of the progress made so far.

The future of HIV prevention and treatment hangs precariously in the balance. As we move forward, it’s essential that policymakers, researchers, and advocates work together to ensure that no one is left behind. The clock is ticking – and Canada can’t afford to wait any longer.