The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today issued the following statement on World AIDS Day:

“Every day, approximately five Canadians contract HIV. Although advances in medical research are now helping people living with HIV live long, healthy lives, the stigma surrounding HIV remains. No Canadian should have to feel alone in this fight.

“To meet our 2025 objectives targets for HIV testing and treatment, we are building culturally safe access to prevention, testing, treatment and care for everyone in Canada, including people from 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean communities. This year we launched the Action plan against sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections 2024-2030 to help accelerate the end of HIV as a public health problem.

“Millions of people around the world still lack access to life-saving HIV treatments, but through our work with our international partners, Canada is helping to change this situation. Thanks to our support for Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malariahundreds of millions of people have been tested for HIV and tens of millions have received antiretroviral treatment. Our work is far from done, but through valuable partnerships with organizations like UNAIDS, we can build on this progress and save millions of lives.

“On the occasion of World AIDS Day, I invite Canadians to learn more about HIV and AIDSto fight stigma and join efforts to end this epidemic. Together, we can build a healthier future for everyone.