Rise in HIV cases alarming in Manitoba
Manitoba has witnessed a concerning spike in HIV cases since 2019, with the number of new diagnoses nearly doubling in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. According to Dr. Carol Kurbis, the province's medical officer of health and communicable disease control, this trend is alarming.
Dr. Kurbis emphasizes the effectiveness of treatments that can reduce the viral load in the blood, making HIV less transmissible during sex and injection drug use. By lowering the viral load, these treatments significantly reduce the risk of transmission, providing a crucial tool in the fight against HIV.
The strategy to curb the rise in HIV news in Manitoba includes raising awareness and providing support to those diagnosed with HIV. The province is aiming to raise awareness about HIV and encourage more individuals to ask for testing as part of regular check-ups.
Supporting individuals who are newly diagnosed with HIV and helping them adhere to their medication is a key component of prevention strategies. Dr. Kurbis finds that many Manitobans who are newly diagnosed with HIV face challenges such as a lack of housing, substance use, mental health issues, and poverty. To address these issues, the province is focusing on providing comprehensive support to those affected.
The increase in HIV rates in Manitoba since 2019 is primarily linked to social determinants such as inadequate access to healthcare, increased substance use, and systemic barriers affecting Indigenous communities and other vulnerable populations.
Most of the new HIV news in Manitoba are associated with injection drug use and heterosexual sex. Dr. Kurbis is focusing on empowering those diagnosed with HIV with hope through effective treatments and support. By helping individuals adhere to their medication and providing them with the resources they need, she aims to give them hope and help them manage their condition effectively.
The pattern of new HIV news in Manitoba is different from what is seen in other areas of Canada. Dr. Kurbis stated that the factors for many Manitobans who are newly diagnosed with HIV include a lack of housing, substance use, mental health issues, and poverty. By addressing these underlying issues, the province hopes to reduce the number of new HIV diagnoses and improve the health and well-being of its residents.
As of June 30, 2021, there have been 189 new HIV news in Manitoba. The province is committed to continuing its efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and combat the rising HIV news in the province. By working together, Manitoba hopes to turn the tide on this concerning trend and ensure a healthier future for all its residents.
