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3 surprising things you should know on World AIDS Day

Published Date
Author Iqa Atuf

AIDS Awareness Ribbon

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December 1 is World AIDS Day. It’s a day that commemorates the 39 million people who have died of the disease and raises awareness about the continuing struggle to defeat it. For many Canadians, the issue of AIDS is one of international development. It’s something that touches the lives of people a world away. But the truth is, we have a long way to go to eradicate the disease—and the stigma that comes with it—right here at home.

In honour of World AIDS Day, ViiV Healthcare, a company that provides treatment and care for individuals living with HIV, commissioned a study of Canadians’ knowledge of and attitudes toward the disease. Some of the results were shocking. Nearly half (46 percent) of Canadians have never been tested for HIV, yet almost everyone surveyed agreed it was important to know their partner’s HIV status.

Only 19 percent of those surveyed were aware of the scary fact that there are parts of Canada where HIV rates are higher than Africa. And only 56 percent said they would be OK with sharing a washroom or kitchen with someone who is HIV positive, suggesting that misconceptions about and discrimination against those with HIV is still widespread.

Here are three things you should know today, and every day, about HIV/AIDS.

1. In Canada, there are about 71,300 people living with HIV. And about 25 percent of people in Canada who are HIV positive don’t know it.

2. Some of the leading research into stopping AIDS is happening right here at home, with Western University researchers developing an HIV vaccine that has seen huge success in trials.

3. Appropriate treatments can help those living with HIV live to normal life expectancies and can prevent transmission from mothers to babies.

Take the time to spread the word today and check out the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research to see how you can help.

Want to learn more? Read our story about an inspiring teen who was born with HIV and is raising awareness among youth across the country.