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HIV/AIDS Pandemic
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The global AIDS epidemic is one of the greatest challenges facing the world. As the epidemic continues to expand, virtually no country in the world remains unaffected.
According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 33.2 million people were living with HIV in 2007. Also in 2007, an estimated 2.5 million people became newly infected with HIV and an estimated 2.1 million people - men, women, boys and girls - died of AIDS.
HIV/AIDS affects the most vulnerable individuals and groups in society including:
- gay men;
- injection drug users;
- Aboriginal people;
- prison inmates;
- youth;
- women; and
- people from countries where HIV is endemic.
This reality demands a national HIV/AIDS response that addresses human rights, determinants of health and gender dimensions of the epidemic. The Canadian response recognizes these factors and is based on principles of partnership and engagement, integration and accountability.These principles underlie both our domestic and international responses.
Related Resources
Key Canadian Publications on Global HIV/AIDS Issues
The Case for Canadians to Act Globally (PDF Version - 286 K)
The primary objective of the publication is to provide readers with the tools, insight and convincing evidence necessary to mobilize greater involvement in international HIV/AIDS initiatives - including government agencies, community-based organisations, individuals, and the private sector. As part of this communications package, a summary of the main points of The Case, entitled "At A Glance", has also been developed, as well as an accompanying power point presentation.
