Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Nov. 29, 2024
December 1 is World AIDS Day and the beginning of Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week. This day provides an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), remember lives lost to HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of the actions individuals can take to protect themselves and others.
There’s more information available today than ever before, including ways to protect yourself and others. Unfortunately, despite these advancements, approximately four Canadians are infected with HIV every day; nearly one third of these are females.
On this World AIDS Day, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is reminding our community of the need to work together to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.
“HIV can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation,” says Stephanie McFaul, Manager of Sexual Health and Harm Reduction. “The best way to protect yourself and your partners from HIV is to know your status by getting tested and to wear a condom or other form of barrier protection when engaging in sexual activity with a partner whose HIV status is unknown.”
Medical advancements have made it possible for individuals living with HIV to live long and healthy lives. In addition, treatments are available that can reduce the risk of passing HIV on to others or lower one’s chance of getting infected.
For individuals who may be at higher risk of becoming infected with HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis medication (PrEP) reduces the risk of HIV transmission. For people who take PrEP as prescribed and receive regular medical care, getting HIV through sex is rare. Additional information about PrEP can be found by visiting www.catie.ca, Canada’s source for HIV information. To find a PrEP Clinic near you visit ontarioprep.ca.
Individuals who want to access HIV testing or to learn if PrEP is right for them are encouraged to see their health-care provider (HCP). For those without a HCP or who experience barriers to accessing care, appointments are available at HPEPH’s sexual health clinics by calling 613-966-5500, ext. 243. Public health also offers free condoms at all office locations.
Free at-home HIV self-test kits for residents over 16 years of age are also available. GetaKit is an option that provides private, low-barrier HIV testing which can be completed from the comfort of your home. In addition to HIV testing, residents can also access testing for other STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Those who test positive will be connected to services that offer treatment and support. To learn more go to getakit.ca.
Learn more about HIV risk factors, how HIV is transmitted and more at hpePublicHealth.ca/HIV/.
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Media contacts
Sara Hart, Communications Specialist
hart.sara@hpeph.ca
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
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