HIV/AIDS

Share the facts, debunk HIV myths

Dear Miss Priss,
What’s the deal with AIDS these days? Back in the ‘80s, it was huge. Now, I hardly hear anything about it! I don’t think I’ve got it or anything, but – what? – have we found a cure for it or something?
Signed,
Kinda Curious.

Dear Curious,
Wow – you and about a gazillion other people on this planet are wondering the same thing, sweetie! But I’m really glad you asked, because let me tell you, HIV is here and now, and not going away anytime soon. But you know what they say: Denial ain’t just hitting Holt Renfrew with your overdraft as protection! So, let’s stop the wondering and start the fact-finding.

Here are a few of the most powerful myths about HIV – and the truth behind them.

HIV makes you super sick.

HIV, Disclosure and the Law
Friday March 26th, 2010
1 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.

In Canada, people living with HIV have been
criminally charged, convicted and sent to prison
for not disclosing their HIV status before having
sex. HIV disclosure and criminal law bring together
many complex legal and social issues. People
living with HIV, and people who provide services
to them, want to know:
• In what circumstances do people living
with HIV have a legal duty to disclose their
HIV status before having sex?
• What can happen to them if they fail to
disclose their HIV status even though they
have a duty?

Presented by Glenn Betteridge Legal researcher and Community Advocate

Location:

AIDS Vancouver Island
3rd Floor Access Health Centre
713 Johnson Street

Registration is free.
Light snacks, tea and
coffee will be served.

Please RSVP at:
Online registration (preferred)

Although incidence (new HIV infections among the total population) has gone down in the Canadian population, it appears that HIV rates have been steadily increasing in First Nations and Inuit populations.

According to Health Canada, Aboriginal people in Canada continue to be over-represented in the HIV epidemic:

• Although they represent only 3.3% of the Canadian population, Aboriginal persons comprised 5-8% of prevalent infections (persons currently living with HIV infection in Canada) and 6-12% of new HIV infections in Canada in 2002;
• Injection drug use continues to be a key mode of HIV transmission in the Aboriginal community;
• HIV/AIDS has a significant impact on Aboriginal women; and
• Aboriginal people are being infected with HIV at a younger age compared to non-Aboriginal persons.