Page 9: HIV and AIDS in Canada: Surveillance Report to December 31, 2014 - Conclusion
Conclusion
The annual number of HIV cases reported to PHAC for the year 2014 was the lowest since HIV reporting began in 1985. At 5.8 per 100,000 population, the 2014 HIV diagnosis rate is the lowest reported to date. PHAC will continue to monitor HIV surveillance data to observe whether this decrease continues.
The MSM exposure category remains the predominant HIV exposure category in Canada overall, followed by heterosexual contact and IDU exposure. However, exposure category differed by sex, province/territory and race/ethnicity.
At the national level, distinct differences were observed between males and females with respect to age at HIV diagnosis. HIV diagnosis tended to be at a younger age among females compared to males. Since reporting began in 1985, the proportion of HIV cases among Canadians 50 years and older increased gradually and males outnumbered females in the older age groups.
Given the variation in number of HIV and AIDS case reports, as well as differences in the demographic profile of cases (i.e., race/ethnicity, age, and sex) across provinces and territories, the data presented in this surveillance report highlight the need for population-specific interventions.
The national HIV and AIDS surveillance data collected by PHAC continues to inform such work as: the estimates of HIV prevalence and incidence in Canada; the development and assessment of national public health guidance and recommendations (e.g. HIV testing guidelines); federal, provincial and territorial policy and program development to prevent and control HIV and AIDS; the development and dissemination of credible, evidence-based knowledge and public health guidance to support health professionals and the development of targeted intervention strategies at local, provincial and national levels.
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