May 19, 2004 For immediate release HALIFAX - Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan, announced today, on behalf of Health Minister, Pierre Pettigrew, that Health Canada will contribute over $450,000 over two years to six Atlantic community-based organizations who work with people who are infected with or at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. "Canada has a collaborative approach to the fight against HIV/AIDS, which is carried out in partnership with other levels of government, non-governmental organizations and community organizations," said Minister Regan. "These projects are another example of how this integrated approach will help people infected with or at risk of HIV/AIDS." In Canada, it is estimated that every day one Aboriginal person becomes infected with HIV/AIDS. Two projects will support the Atlantic Aboriginal communities, both on- and off-reserve, on the prevention of HIV/AIDS in a manner that respects the way of life of Aboriginal people: Healing our Nations will receive $170,000 for two years for its project Completing the Circle: Connecting with Our Members and Communities. Mikmaq Native Friendship Center will receive $40,000 for one year for its project HIV/AIDS Kitpu Youth Project. In addition, four community-development projects will help increase awareness about HIV/AIDS, and increase the skills and capacity of organizations who work with people at risk: Antagonish Women's Resource Center will receive $70,796 over two years for its project Overcoming Resistance - From Awareness to Engagement. Healing Our Nations Atlantic First Nations AIDS Network will receive $62,045 over two years for the project Leading the Response: Building Prevention Capacity. AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia will receive $70,000 over two years for its project Positive Connections, and Mikmaq Native Friendship Center will receive $38,519 over one year for the project Unsafe/Safer Practices Among IDUs. "These projects will bring together organizations throughout the Atlantic provinces working to address HIV/AIDS," said Minister Pettigrew. "They will help increase awareness of the services and resources available for a number of populations infected with HIV/AIDS and bring an integrated approach for prevention to help stem the spread of HIV/AIDS infections in the area." The Government of Canada funding was provided to these community-based organizations under the Canadian Strategy for HIV/AIDS. On May 12, 2004, the Government of Canada renewed its commitment to the Strategy by doubling funding over the next five years, so that by 2008/09, the Government of Canada will provide annual funding of $84.4 million to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Canada. The Strategy's goals are: to prevent the spread of HIV infection in Canada; to find a cure; to find and provide effective vaccines, drugs and therapies; to ensure care, treatment and support for Canadians living with HIV/AIDS, and for families, friends, and caregivers; to minimize the adverse impact of HIV/AIDS on individuals and communities; and, to minimize the impact of social and economic factors that increase individual and collective risk of HIV infection. - 30 - Media Inquiries: Aggie Adamczyk Health Canada (613) 941-8189
