HIV contact information in Canada (for sponsor)

You or one of your family members may be at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Therefore, you are advised to seek medical advice from health practitioners who are experienced in treating and supporting persons with HIV infection and their families. HIV can be managed if treatment and diagnosis occur early in the infection cycle. There are now medications to slow down the progression of HIV.

HIV is a virus transmitted from one individual to another through contact with blood or body fluids. Unprotected sexual contact and the sharing of contaminated needles, especially in intravenous drug use, may lead to HIV infection. Infected mothers may also transmit the virus during pregnancy, at birth and while breastfeeding. Being HIV positive means that a person’s own body’s defence system can be weakened because they are infected by this virus. HIV infection may progress into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and may be complicated by a wide variety of medical disorders requiring close medical attention. There are medications to help slow down the progression of the disease if and when someone is infected.

To learn more about this infection and to maintain your own health as well as that of your family members, you are advised to telephone a health clinic specializing in HIV. Below is a list of telephone numbers to help you find such a clinic near you once in Canada.

If your first language is not English or French, you may wish to ask someone to help you make this telephone call.

For further references of HIV in Canada, please consult the
Canadian AIDS Society
Toll free: 1-800-499-1986
Email: casinfo@cdnaids.ca

Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE)

Public Health Agency of Canada – HIV
Toll free: 1-800-280-5020