Released on November 4, 2013
Prairies HIV Conference Underway in Saskatoon
Government, health sector and community collaboration is improving the lives of people living with HIV and helping reduce the incidence of new cases in Saskatchewan.
Provincially, there were 177 new HIV cases in 2012, a five per cent decrease from 2011.
The number of new HIV cases has been declining since 2009, even though the number of HIV tests performed has gone up 23 per cent since the same year, prior to the release of the HIV strategy in 2010.
“We are very encouraged by the downward trend in new cases,” HIV Provincial Leadership Team Medical Health Officer Dr. Johnmark Opondo said. “We are committed to continue efforts to reduce HIV rates in our province, increase the number of people who know their HIV status, and engage people in care.”
A collaborative and co-ordinated approach to HIV continues through partnerships that include regional health authorities, community-based organizations, First Nations, people living with or affected by HIV, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada, the Ministry of Health, and other ministries.
Saskatchewan is hosting the first annual Prairies HIV Conference in Saskatoon on November 4 and 5, bringing together more than 200 participants. The joint initiative between Saskatchewan and Manitoba is an example of ongoing collaboration and best practice exchange, and a showcase for innovative community-based approaches. The presentations and interactive workshops will focus on culturally appropriate interventions along the continuum of care including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support.
More information about the conference is available on the HIV Provincial Leadership Team website at www.skhiv.ca. Information on HIV/AIDS and provincial initiatives is available on the Ministry of Health website at www.health.gov.sk.ca/hiv.
A full HIV/AIDS statistical report for 2012 will be released in the coming weeks and posted to the ministry’s website.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca