Ottawa announces $5M for HIV self-test kits, support staff
WINNIPEG — The federal government has announced $5 million in funding for HIV prevention and support services.
The federal government has allocated $5 million to enhance HIV prevention and support services in Manitoba. MP Doug Eyolfson and Dr. Joss Reimer, Canada’s chief public health officer, jointly announced the funding in Winnipeg. The funds aim to increase access to HIV self-test kits and expand the workforce of peer support staff. An estimated 7,000 individuals living with HIV in the province are currently unaware of their status.
Dr. Reimer emphasized that knowing one's HIV status is crucial for accessing necessary care. In May, Manitoba declared a public health emergency due to HIV rates being three times higher than the national average. In 2024, Manitoba reported a rate of 19.5 cases per 100,000 people, compared to the national rate of 5.5 cases per 100,000.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, targets the immune system, and without treatment, it can lead to AIDS, which is often life-threatening.
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- Ottawa to spend $5M on HIV self-testing kits winnipegfreepress.com
- Ottawa announces $5M for HIV prevention and support, including self-testing kits globalnews.ca
