Quebec is witnessing a concerning rise in AIDS cases, with a 72% increase reported in 2022 and a 35% jump in 2023 across Canada. Key demographics include individuals aged 25 to 39, and challenges in screening due to a shortage of trained nurses exacerbate the issue. Factors such as declining sexual education and the effects of COVID-19 contribute to increased transmission risks. A significant portion of newly diagnosed individuals has unknowingly lived with the virus for years, highlighting urgent needs for accessible screening and treatment.
AIDS Cases on the Rise in Quebec: A Growing Concern
While the global trend shows a decline in AIDS cases, Quebec and Canada are experiencing a troubling increase, raising alarms among health experts. Recent statistics from the Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ) indicate a staggering 72% rise in AIDS cases in 2022, with approximately 422 new diagnoses reported. Additionally, data from Statistics Canada highlights a 35% jump in new cases across the country in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has noted that individuals aged 25 to 39 represent a significant demographic among the new cases. Moreover, organizations like the Coalition of Community Organizations Fighting AIDS point out that screening for blood-borne sexually transmitted infections (STIs) presents challenges in specific areas, including Estrie, Mauricie, and Capitale-Nationale, due to a shortage of trained nurses. This issue has been linked to a broader problem in prevention efforts. Dr. Réjean Thomas, founder of the Actuel medical clinic, emphasizes, “The fight against HIV and AIDS in Canada and Quebec is not going very well.” He highlights that while the disease has transitioned to a chronic condition, there is a concerning lack of preventive measures being implemented.
The Importance of Screening and Prevention
Dr. Thomas notes that the decline in sexual education and the perception of AIDS as a manageable chronic illness have contributed to decreased condom usage. This shift has coincided with a rise in other STIs such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia in the province. Furthermore, he attributes part of the increase in cases to the impact of COVID-19, which led to reduced screening practices. Newcomers to Canada may also bring with them a history of HIV infection without prior knowledge.
Shockingly, a large number of the 422 new cases in 2022 involved individuals who had been unknowingly living with the virus for several years. “We estimate that between 60 and 70% of these individuals have been infected for five to ten years,” Dr. Thomas explains. “This situation is particularly alarming as it raises the possibility of transmission, especially since many remain untreated.” He stresses that individuals on antiretroviral therapy can no longer transmit HIV, highlighting the critical need for accessible screening clinics, even in cities like Montreal. Unfortunately, the shortage of healthcare professionals complicates this access.
It is estimated that 10 to 15% of individuals infected with HIV in Canada and Quebec are unaware of their status, while another 10 to 15% are aware but not undergoing treatment. This significant portion of the population poses a risk of continued transmission of the virus. As World AIDS Day approaches on December 1st, the introduction of new preventive treatments—such as one that requires only two doses per year—offers hope in combating the disease. However, Dr. Thomas expresses concern about the ongoing issues in downtown Montreal, where homelessness, poverty, and substance abuse contribute to the crisis. “These factors indicate a worrying trend for the future,” he concludes.