Speech by the Minister of Health the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq - AIDS 2012 - Regional Session on USA and Canada

July 25, 2012
Washington, DC, USA

Check Against Delivery

Good afternoon,

It is an honour to be co-hosting this session with Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

I would like to thank my Canadian colleagues for joining us today. Many of Canada's accomplishments in addressing HIV and AIDS are due to the remarkable dedication and support Canadians have demonstrated over the last 30 years.

Because of the significant hardship this epidemic causes in developing countries, the situation in North America is not often in the spotlight. So it's good to have a session where we look at where we stand in our own region.

When HIV first emerged in North America 30 years ago, there was very little hope for those infected in the early years. Now, with modern treatments, HIV has become, for many, a serious - but manageable - chronic condition.

At the same time, data tells us that even with investments in HIV prevention, new infections continue and rates are not declining. In Canada and the United States, there is still a high rate of new infections within certain groups, including our aboriginal population, which was the subject of great discussion earlier this week.

So despite our investments and the general well-being of our populations, there is still a need to act.

The political declaration that Canada and the U.S. joined last year at the UN High Level Meeting, recognized that this epidemic affects every country differently.

That is certainly true for our two countries. I believe Canada and the United States have a lot to learn from each other's successes and challenges. By comparing our approaches I believe we can help each other become more effective at preventing new infections and addressing the treatment, care and support needs of those living with HIV and AIDS.

Canada's Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS guides the funding of research; supports community groups which help us reach those who are most at risk; and monitors HIV and AIDS through a national surveillance system.

We have programs designed for key populations such as street-involved youth, women and gay men. We are working to address the social issues including accessible housing, income security, addictions and mental health that contribute to vulnerability for infectious disease.

We have also started dialogues on emerging issues related to HIV and AIDS. Our annual policy dialogues have brought together international experts from government, academia and civil society to discuss a range of areas that impact HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. At the latest dialogue in January of this year, we partnered with the United States to host a dialogue on HIV, AIDS and mental health. This was a successful event that resulted in yesterday's satellite session: Addressing Mental Disorders - The Missing Link to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

Canada will continue supporting cutting edge research, including the search for an effective vaccine.

I believe we can accomplish even more in the next 10 years than we have in the last three decades, so that we can help make the vision of an AIDS-free generation a reality.

Thank you.