Fact Sheet: Reducing the Spread of HIV in the Saint John Area
SAINT JOHN, NB — On behalf of the Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq, Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, today announced investments to assist the community-based organization, AIDS Saint John, in their efforts to reduce the spread of HIV in that area.
“More than 65,000 people are living with HIV. Awareness and education are key to helping Canadians protect themselves against this disease,”
said Mr. Weston. “Through increased access to prevention and support programs and services, this organization is increasing knowledge and raising awareness of the importance of appropriate care, treatment and prevention of HIV and AIDS.”
AIDS Saint John has been providing services to its community since 1988. These investments will allow the organization to continue its activities, which include HIV education and prevention seminars and workshops, as well as developing and distributing culturally appropriate materials for high-risk populations such as women, youth, and men who have sex with men.
“We are pleased to be working with the Government of Canada so we can continue our work to improve the quality of life of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS”
said Dr. Leslie Jeffrey, Board Chair, AIDS Saint John.
This funding is part of the more than $72 million that the Government of Canada is currently investing through the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada. A large portion of these funds assist community-based projects like this one to:
- prevent the acquisition and transmission of new infections;
- slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life; and
- reduce the social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS.
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