Statement by Minister Bibeau on World AIDS Day

December 1, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, issued the following statement today, World AIDS Day:

“We have made a lot of progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. More people are accessing life-saving treatment and fewer are dying, but the fight is not over. In 2016, there were still 1.8 million new HIV infections globally. That means 5,000 people became infected every day.

“Adolescent girls are often most at risk of contracting HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, three in four new HIV infections among 15- to 19-year-olds are girls. Why? Because girls face more discrimination and violence. They have less access to quality education and nutrition. They lack the information they need to prevent infection, and economic hardship often forces them into risky situations such as child, early and forced marriage.

“While the HIV epidemic most often affects women and girls, it also has an impact on men. This year’s UNAIDS report tells us that men are less likely to take an HIV test or seek medical help when they are sick, and if they do access treatment, they are less likely to stick with it.

“We must do a better job of reaching men and boys with HIV services, both for them and for their partners and families.

“Canada’s recently announced Feminist International Assistance Policy tackles the gender inequality that drives HIV/AIDS. Count on Canada to advocate for all people to have the health services and information they need to stay healthy.”

Contacts

Marie-Emmanuelle Cadieux
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
marie-emmanuelle.cadieux@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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